228 
09. In this experiment, therefore, we observe a 
gradual abstraction of moisture, both from the plant, 
and from the atmosphere in which it was confined, 
so as entirely to arrest the growth of the plant, and 
in a few days to destroy its life. During the whole 
experiment, the roots were abundantly supplied with 
water from the dish in which the pot of earth stood j 
but this was insufficient to counterbalance its attrac- 
tion by the lime. The gradual rise of the lime-water 
into the jar indicated the formation and subsequent 
attraction of carbonic acid ; but, nevertheless, the 
atmosphere had not undergone any change, except 
from the abstraction of moisture, which could occa- 
sion the death of the plant ; for it was found, on 
analysis, to contain more than half its original quan- 
tity of oxygen. Hence the death of the plant must be 
referred to the abstraction of moisture partly from the 
plant itself, and partly, as we believe, from the atmo- 
sphere which surrounded it, by which the air was 
rendered incapable of supporting vegetation. 
510. This conclusion will appear more evident 
from the result of another experiment made at the 
same time with a similar plant, and precisely under 
the same circumstances, except that the lime, instead 
of being used in the form of dry powder, was slaked, 
and reduced to the consistence of a thick fluid by the 
addition of water. In this case, the jar was rendered 
dim by moisture, and continued in that state through 
the whole experiment ; the plant had grown half an 
inch in height by the end of the first day ; and the wa- 
ter had risen into the jar about three-tenths of an inch. 
During the two following days, the plant continued 
