54 Acton. — On the formation of sugars 
The well-known papers of Bonnier 1 and Behrens 2 on the whole 
subject of floral nectaries contain scattered allusions to septal 
glands ; but neither author devotes special attention to them. 
Full details of all the literature devoted to this subject are to be 
found in the works of Bonnier, Behrens, and Grassman. Stadler 3 
describes the structure of certain septal glands. 
I selected Narcissus Tazetta , L., and N. pseudo-narcissus , 
L., for observation in preference to other plants containing 
septal glands for the following reasons : the protoplasm of 
the cells is only slightly coloured ; the tissues in the early 
stages at least are moderately free from tannin ; the gland- 
cells are comparatively large. 
The ovaries were cut into small pieces and preserved in 
absolute alcohol without any previous treatment, as this was 
found to be the most satisfactory method of fixing the 
protoplasm. Dilute solutions of picric or chromic acid 
(•5 — 2 p.c.) also gave good results; but where there is little 
tannin present absolute alcohol is decidedly to be preferred. 
All the observations on the protoplasm were made from 
sections of material preserved in this way ; but in testing for 
sugars at the different stages described below fresh tissue 
was used, the ovaries taken being as nearly as possible the 
same size as those preserved in alcohol from which the 
sections were cut. Details as to the method of treatment 
before observation are given in the explanation of the figures. 
In the observations as to the nature of the free cell-walls 
bordering on the lumen or cavity of the gland use was made 
of 3-25 p.c. solution of aluminium chloride in absolute 
alcohol, to clear the sections before staining; this reagent 
was found to cause no swelling-up of the cell-wall provided 
the alcohol was perfectly anhydrous, whereas alcoholic potash, 
strong enough to clear the tissues, caused the cellulose 
structures to lose their sharp outline. 
In speaking of the sugars in liquid secreted by the glands, 
1 Les Nectaires, in Ann. des Sc. Nat. 1878-79. 
2 Die Nectarien der Bliithen, in Flora, lxii (1879). 
3 Beitrage zur Kenntn. der Nectarien und Biologie der Bliithen. Berlin, 1886. 
