386 
REPORT—1854. 
were removed from the brick for desiccation, and on the following day the 
five of the wheat which had germinated were found to weigh 8 grains, 
giving an average of 1*6 grain for each, or an increase of 0*9 grain on the 
original weight. All the six peas had germinated and weighed 26 grains, 
giving an average of 4*3 grs. for each, or an increase of 1 *6 grain on the 
original weight. 
Thus far I have proceeded in the investigation. Many interesting in¬ 
quiries naturally suggest themselves; some have been already alluded to, for 
instance, the influence of light upon the colours of flowers; the amount of 
exclusion of light effected by the soil ; the different condition of solar in¬ 
fluences required by wheat or by peas at later periods of their growth; and 
the extension of the observations to other seeds. Other questions might I* 
raised, such as,— What character of light promotes best the absorption« 
oxygen in germination ? At what period in the growth of a plant doesoxygn 
become unnecessary? Is oxygen requisite for the full development of » 
bulbous-rooted plant ? Does carbonic acid act specifically in the prevention 
of germination, or merely by the exclusion of oxygen? How far does 11 
rapid development of a plant in an early stage interfere with its heal . 
growth at a later period ? 
Report on Observations of Luminous Meteors, 1853 - 54 . By the 
Baden Powell, M.A., V.P.R.S. §c„ Savilian PrqfessoroJ w 
metry in the University of Oxford. 
I have once more to lav before the Association n series of rach .°]2j 
ions on luminous meteors during the past year, as the kindness o ^ 
friends, to whom I have been indebted on former occasions, haseii 
to collect, together with a few notices from other sources. 1 L y, 
par icularize the valuable assistance rendered by the Ilev. J- ■ 
Fascl, Esq., C. Hillard, Esq, and E. J. Lowe, Esq. The Kgft 
tions of the paths or many meteors by Mr. Fasol are remarkable 
clearness and accuracy of their execution. . . je bin <W 
I deenlv avocations hasi still 
ouier tnends to science in this work. 
Supplement to the Report of 1852 - 3 . On the August Meteors, • ■ ^ , 
rpfm-n d f!l° n t0 the Nervations recorded in the last Report, ^” n " in E 
. of this periodical phenomenon seems to have been ' vell n v given, 
whS t? 6 f0 l0 ''; ing deUliIs of continental observations are ’ J i„ tl 
Report of kst year.* F 91 *'*” «" >“ ‘° * 
C°o±: r >^° Anoalou, 1853, No. 9, p. 192- 
10th Of A G T', er K,ves the hourly maximum of meteors from 
10th of August, lor different years" as follows at Paris 
'HI 59 1841 
1838 M 184-2 
1839 
1840 
62 
65 
68 
1843 
1844 
80 
