The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1880-04-09

sieaelis Disesscry-fhs Electric
LiEht and veEeaafion.


From the London Times.
DIR. Siemens gave at recent meeting
Of the Royal Society a description OF
some experiments upon the above sub
ject which have been conducted during
the last two months ut his houseat sher-
wood, and exhibited specimens. The
method pursued was 10 plant quick
growing piants-sueh rs mustard,
carrots. beans, cncumbers and
melons-in pots. aud these pots were
divided into four groups, n Of which
was kept entirely In the dark, one was
exposed 10 the influence Of the electric
light only, and one TO daylight and
electric light In succession. The cleo
tire light was applied for six hours each
eyening-from 8 to 11-and the plants
were then left in darkness during the
remainder Of the night. The general
result was that the plants kept entirely
in the dark soon died, those exposed to
the electric light only or TO daylight
only throye about equally, and those
exposed TO both day and electric light
throve far better than either, the speci-
mems Of mustard and carrots exhibited
TO the society showing this difference
10 a very remarkable way. DIR. Sic
IN n only considers himself as yet on
the tn reshold of the Investigation, but
thinks the experiments already made
are sufficient 10 justify the following
conclusions:
1. That electric light Is eficacious
in producing c~hlorophyi 1.-THE green col
oring matter Of the leaf in the leaves
Of plants, and in promoting growth.
2. That nm electric centre OF light
equal TO 1,400 candles placed Mt a dis
lance Of two metres lsix feetl from
growing plants appeared to be equal in
effect to average daylight at this sea-
son Of the year; but that more econom-
ical effects can he obtained by more
powerful light centres.
3. That the carbonic acid and nitro
genons compounds generated in diminu-
tive quantities in the electric light are
producing no sensible delcterious effects
upon plants enclosed la the same
space.
4. That plants do not appear 10 re-
qnire a period OF rest during the TWEEN
ty-four hours Of the day. but make in
creased and vigorous progress II sub
jected during daytime to sunlight and
during the night TO electric light.
8. That the radiation Of heat from
powerful electric arcs can be made
available TO counteract the effect Of
night frost. and is likely To promote
the setting and rirening Of fruit In the
open air.
q. That while under the influence
Of electric light, plants can sustain in
creased stove heat without collapsing,
n circumstance favorable 10 forcing by
electrict light.
Z. That the expense OF electro -hor-
ticulture depends mainly upon the cost
Of mechanical energy, and is very mod
crate where natural sources OF such
energy, such us waterfalls, can be made
available.
The paper gave rise TO q highly inter-
estiDg discussion, in which It was
pointed out that the evidence afforded
OF the practical identity, rs regards
vegetation, Of solar and elect0ct light,
besides the probability that it would be
turned to immediate account by horti-
culturists, would afford great facilities
for the scientific investigation Of the
influence exerted by light, rs compared
with other agencies, in promoting the
formation OF the active principles or
most valuable constituents Of plants,
such rs the quinine Of the cinchona
bark, the gluten Of wheat, and SO forth.
Before concluding his observations DR..
| Siemens placed n pot Of budding tulips
In the full brightness Of an electric
lamp in the meeting room, and In
about forty minutes the buds had ex-
banded into full bloom.