Germination and by Electrical Response . 183 
Series of experiments to record the two values were carried out at the 
same time — and for each experiment — under the same conditions. 
The problem was attacked in several different ways : 
(i) Using the same samples of grain giving the same average germina- 
tion value. 
Records were taken to ascertain if there was a fairly consistent response 
under approximately similar conditions of experiment. Here, of course, 
exactly consistent responses could only be looked for if great care was taken 
to ensure exactly similar conditions as regards temperature, moisture, 
electrodes, &c. Small variations in these conditions would probably produce 
corresponding variations in the electrical response, and these would affect 
the absolute magnitude of the average of responses. 
(ii) Using the same sample of grain. 
Experiments were carried out to determine whether variation in 
the conditions affecting the germination favourably or the reverse affect 
the electrical response in the same way. Two parallel determinations 
are carried out in this case. 
(iii) Using different samples of grain giving different germination 
values. 
These were compared under constant conditions as far as possible. 
Results of Experiments. 
General . — The current of injury or accidental current is in the ‘ posi- 
tive * direction — from root to stem — although the opposite was noted in the 
majority of cases. 
The response to shocks is regularly in the 4 positive 5 direction, but 
occasional alterations in the negative direction were observed. The signifi- 
cance of this alteration has yet to be determined. It may be an important 
detail. 
The greatest response is noticed in the case of the first strong shock, 
the second strong shock giving just as regularly the smallest response — due, 
no doubt, to fatigue. 
The actual magnitude of the response varies with other factors as 
already suggested, and would be affected by the temperature at which the 
experiment was carried out, and the atmospheric conditions at the time. 
Further investigation would probably indicate more definitely the 
extent of the variation, if care was taken to record the temperature, 
pressure, &c., exactly. 
(i) The general nature of the electrical response for the same sample of 
grain was quite consistent. Even the germination values vary slightly, and 
it was found that the number of seeds growing in too was not always 
identical in the different experiments. 
