43^ 



roots, the terminal ends etc. are not removed from the stem. From the 

 results we see that the real loss is always much smaller than the total loss, 

 the difference being about 4%. This must be due to the separation of 

 remaining leaves, seeds, seed capsules and soil particles which are attached on. 

 the roots and terminal ends. 



That a greater part of the loss takes place already at the end of first 

 period of the rotting, is proved by the results of our experiments shown in the 

 following table. 



>i the first periu.1.. 

 End of the middle period. 

 End of the last pc 



The change of water increases the loss of weight in the stem during ret- 

 as the following results of our experiments show. 



From the table we see that by changing the water twice during retting 

 the increase of the loss of about i% is secured. 



On the other hand, the extension of the period over the usual time has 

 but slight effect upon the loss of weight. In our experiments when the period 

 was made twice as long as usual without changing the water, the loss of weight 

 was found to be 16.8% of air dry stem, vis. UJ% in the usual period. 



The loss of weight suffered by the stem during retting is caused by the 



