242 Vines. — Proteolytic Enzymes in Plants. 
The extract is turbid, greenish, neutral : 30 cc. were placed in each 
of four bottles ; 6 drops of 4 % HCN solution were added to each. 
Further additions were made as follows: 
1. Extract and HCN only; nothing added. 
2. ., „ with 2 drops of strong HC 1 . 
3. „ „ with 2 drops of strong HC 1 and -3 grm. 
of Witte-peptone. 
4. the same mixture as 3, but boiled (control). 
After 3^ hours in the incubator, Nos. 1 and 2 gave distinct, and 
No. 3 marked, tryptophane-reaction: No. 1 had become slightly acid: 
no tryptophane-reaction in No. 4. After 22 hours in the incubator, 
No. 4 still gave no tryptophane-reaction, whilst all the others gave a 
strong reaction : No. 1 was strongly acid. 
It is clear, therefore, that Green Peas contain a proteolytic enzyme 
acting in the presence of HC 1 . 
I have also made some observations on the ‘germ’ of 
Wheat ( Triticum vulgar e)\ that is, the embryos removed 
from the grain in the process of milling : the presence of 
a proteolytic enzyme is clearly demonstrated. 
50 grms. of ‘ germ/ ground to a fine powder, were extracted with 
250 cc. of distilled water: the liquid, after straining through muslin, 
is turbid, slightly acid, and gives no tryptophane-reaction : 50 cc. 
of the liquid were placed in each of three bottles, and treated as 
follows : 
1. added 0-5 grm. Witte-peptone and 10 drops of 4 % HCN. 
2. „ 10 drops of 4 % HCN. 
3. „ 0-5 grm. Witte-peptone, then boiled, and added 10 drops 
of 4 % HCN (control). 
After 4-| hours in the incubator, No. 1 gave a strong tryptophane- 
reaction, No. 2 a faint reaction, No. 3 no reaction. 
Fruits. 
In view of Green’s discovery ( 4 ) of a protease in the Kachree 
Gourd ( Cncumis utilissiimis , a variety of C. Melo ), I have 
given special attention to the Cucurbitaceae, and have found 
such a body in all the species examined, viz. a yellow, 
smooth-skinned, variety of Melon ( Cticumis Melo ) largely 
