NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



255 



a solution of formaldehyde containing 2^ parts to 1,000 of water showed 

 a decrease in germination of 6*4 per cent, to 17*4 per cent as compared 

 with untreated seed, while stronger solutions caused greater injury ; but in 

 spite of this the author recommends the continuance of the practice of 

 steeping the seeds in order to destroy the spores of the smut fungus. 



F. J. C. 



Formaldehyde, Influence of, on growth of White Mustard. 



By MM. Bouilhac and Giustiniani (Comp. Bend. May 11, 1903). — A 

 series of experiments were conducted with the object of ascertaining 

 whether members of the higher plants could obtain a certain amount of 

 hydrocarbon from formaldehyde (formalin). Seedlings of White Mustard 

 ( Brassica alba) were properly arranged in flasks with their roots immersed 

 in half a litre of mineral nutrient solution. A solution of formaldehyde, 

 25 in 100 of water, was used. Quantities of 3, 6, 10, and 20 drops of this 

 solution were added to the nutritive solution contained in the different 

 flasks, and special arrangements were contrived to prevent the loss of 

 formaldehyde through evaporation. The seedlings thus treated were placed 

 in a subdued light with the object of checking the assimilation of 

 aerial carbonic acid. After the expiration of three days the plants 

 showed no signs of having suffered from the presence of the poison, 

 and chemical reagents showed that the whole of the formaldehyde had 

 been removed from the nutrient solution : it had in fact been absorbed by 

 the plants. 



The experiments were commenced on March 10, and up to May 6 an 

 equal number of drops of formaldehyde were added to each flask every 

 third day as was given in the first instance. 



At the conclusion of the experiments it was observed that those plants 

 provided with twenty drops of formaldehyde every third day had evidently 

 suffered from the poison, whereas those plants furnished with ten drops 

 every third day were larger, more vigorous, and heavier than check plants 

 kept under similar treatment, save that no formaldehyde was added to 

 the nutritive solution. 



Judging from these experiments, the author concludes that formal- 

 dehyde in certain proportions exercises no injurious action on White 

 Mustaid, but on the other hand furnishes the plant with an amount of 

 nutrition, in the form of a hydrocarbon, when growing in obscure light 

 where assimilation by chlorophyll is difficult. 



A second series of experiments, in which the plants were placed in 

 almcst total darkness, resulted in the death of the whole; thus proving 

 that a certain amount of light is necessary to enable White Mustard to 

 assimilate formic aldehyde. — G. M. 



Fruit and Vegetable Storage and Shipment. By Prof. W. A. 

 Taylor (U.S.A. Hort. Soc. Virginia Report, 1902, p. 17). — Wrapping 

 the Bartlett Pears in paper before packing in boxes increased their value 

 in London. The Pears need to be picked before ripe and properly stored ; 

 these were refrigerated. . 



In the case of Peaches it was found that refrigeration was unnecessary 

 an d distinctly unprofitable ; each fiuit was wrapped in parchment paper. 



