RESEARCHES AT WI8LEY. 



171 



it implies the presence of the mycelium of the fungus in the embryo of 

 the seed, which, notwithstanding careful examination, has not been 

 observed. 



Practical experiments at Wisley have proved the supposed danger to 

 be unfounded. Seed obtained from plants suffering respectively in a 

 marked degree from each of the above cited diseases were mixed and 

 sown by Mr. Wright, and the result was the production of sturdy plants 

 bearing a good crop of fruit, perfectly free from disease of any kind what- 

 ever. 



Action of Copper on the Germination of Seeds. 



Some short time ago a French scientist, Dr. Renard, announced that 

 the germination of seeds was much accelerated by previous soaking in a 

 soJation of copper salt in the presence of a hydrccarbon. Seeds of turnip, 

 rr.dish, tomato, and other plants were treated according to this method, 

 and sown in parallel rows with other portions of the same batch of seed 

 untreated. Mr. Wright was unable to distinguish between the treated 

 and untreated seed, either as to the period of germination or during subse- 

 quent development. 



