NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



243 



by a considerable acceleration in gas-production. A charge of one or 

 two minute sparks from a Ley den jar seemed to cause the most active 

 response on the part of the yeast. 



The optimum current for the germination of seeds and the growth 

 seedlings, as well as for micro-organisms, is, in the author's opinion, 

 not far from O'l milliampere. 



" Minute currents of electricity exist in plants, and it is known that 

 during certain periods trees discharge sparks from the apices of the 

 leaves, and trees may tend to equalize differences in potential between 

 the earth and air. ' ' 



" Electricity, like other forms of stimulation, undoubtedly affects 

 the protoplasm of the plant, which causes certain metabolic processes 

 to become active, and accelerated growth results." 



It will be seen that this paper is of great interest to the many who 

 are now experimenting with electrical gardening. — G. F. S.-E. 



Eremurus Elwesianus. By E. A. Bowles (Garden, Nov. 6, 

 1909, p. 543). — This is vigorous in constitution; a mulch of manure in 

 early spring helps vigorous growth, but it is best to wait till the shoot 

 is well through the ground before applying it. The method is described 

 by which the plant secures cross-fertilization. — H. R. D. 



Eremurus robustus. By Eev. F. Page Eoberts {Garden, 

 Oct. 23, 1909, p. 518). — Lifting every three years, or annually if the 

 soil is inclined to be wet, is advised. It is beneficial to keep the plants 

 out of the ground two or three weeks. — H. R. D. 



Eria rhodoptera. By E. A. Eolfe (Bot. Mag. tab. 8296). Nat. 

 ord. Orchidaceae; tribe Eyidendreae. Philippines. Herb, with pseudo- 

 bulbs. Leaves 4^-10 in. long. Scapes erect, 5^-7 in. long. Eacemes 

 many flowered. Flowers pale straw or white, with crimson petals and 

 side-lobes of lip. — G. H. 



Femlinde in Dortmund (Die Gart. ; February 5, 1910, p. 68).— 

 This old tree of the Linden (Tilia vulgaris), the age of which is surmised 

 to be over a thousand years, has to be removed; the principal part, 

 a mere old shell, to the museum, and a small tree, probably a layer, 

 to another public place. Under the old tree the old courts of the Holy 

 Fem (or Vehm) were held, that secret tribunal which Walter Scott has 

 described in his Anne of Geierstein.—G. R. 



Ferrous Sulphate, Relative Toxicity of, for Barley and Rye 

 Seedlings. By B. L. Hartwell and F. E. Pember {U.S.A. Exp. 

 Stn. Rhode I., 21st Ann. Rept. part 2; (1908); pp. 286-294).— The 

 presence of iron sulphate (ferrous sulphate) appears to act adversely 

 upon the seedlings of barley and rye to about the same extent, reducing 

 the amount of water transpired and the growth of the plants in both 

 •cases considerably, as is shown in the following table. 



R 2 



