( 575 ) 
This elimination of the action of living cells was most easily 
obtained by simply killing these cells by poisons or by a high 
temperature. 
This method is, however, open to objection; such interference not 
only attains the elements which it is desired to put out of action; 
others also, especially the water-couducting vessels and tracheids 
will undoubtedly be affected, so that it is questionable whether the 
results of the experiments can only be attributed to the elimination 
of the activity of the living cells. 
A method — already used by Ursprung but with a result opposite 
to mine — which meets this objection, is the cooling of the trunk 
or stem of the plant to about 0°. By this means it is possible to 
reduce the activity of the living cells to a minimum, while neither 
dead nor living elements undergo a permanent change. Moreover 
the advantage of being able to establish the original conditions after 
the conclusion of the experiment and therefore bring the plant back 
to normal conditions, should not be underrated. The experiment and 
its control can both be carried out on the same intact plant. 
If by this means the plant could be made to fade, and to assume 
its original fresh appearance after the cooling had been stopped, 
Godlewski’s theory would receive considerable support. 
According to this method I have myself carried out 3 experiments. 
The trunk of a small apple-tree, 2 stems of Polygonum cuspidatum 
and 2 stems of Helianthus tuberosus were cooled to about 0° C. 
over a length of 50 cm. The experiments lasted 6, 7, and 8 days, 
under conditions which were very favourable for a possible fading. 
Nevertheless I have in no case been able to observe even incipient 
fading, although the transpiration from the leaves was strung, as 
shown by the cobalt test. Cut leafy branches, hung up near the 
plant, withered very rapidly.. 
We may not, however, conclude from the negative result of these 
experiments that the living cells do not play a part in the movement 
of water. It is quite possible, even probable, that cooling a length 
of 50 cm. is not enough. This slight Obstacle was perhaps easily 
overcome by differences of pressure present in the trunks. Had the 
results been positive it would have supported Godlewski’s theory. 
My negative results are, however, not able to oppose this theory. 
The nature of the results notwithstanding, I think it may be useful 
to bring them to the notice of others. 
Description of the experiments . 
The cooling of the trunk or stem was brought about by melting 
ice, which was placed in an apparatus indicated by the figure. 
