4i6 
E. J. KRAUS 
really giving the problem thought. Even the working horticulturist, 
whether he be florist, vegetable gardener, or fruit grower, is constantly 
contributing excellent experimental evidence, and is more than eager for 
some rational means by which he can interpret it, at least to the point of 
knowing how to eliminate unprofitable practices on some fundamental 
basis. It is our duty and privilege to learn the effects of various practices, 
then to eliminate those which are mutually antagonistic to the gaining of 
any desired end and to utilize only those which are mutually supplementary. 
What could be more desirable from the economic standpoint, or, in other 
words, more practicable? 
In conclusion, then, it seems that the most needed essential to further 
extension of knowledge on the effects of varying metabolic conditions on the 
modification of vegetative and reproductive functions is the coordination of 
our knowledge of external and internal conditions by those having the 
means, technique, and willingness to do this work. The working out and 
making available for study of the range effects of many more elements and 
compounds than the very few which are known at present is particularly 
desirable, so that it may be possible in the future to deal with tangible 
materials rather than with hypothetical proposals. 
Department of Botany, 
University of Wisconsin 
