‘U'lQETxn‘Q C1? EEGONEA SEM‘PERFLORE‘Sfi £3753 Si Ms S; COLLEGE “Them {cf We Do ”VixCHiCAN STAN: trerjo¥p‘ruu‘ €947 THESIS 1“|1ls n 1 ‘{ III.” Thisisto-eertifg that the thesis entitled NUTRITION OF BEGONIA SIMPERJ'IORRNS The growth and appearance of Begonia senperflorens in three growing media as affected by various levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium with controlled pH. presented by Elmer John Nb: has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for Jil—degree ln_Hor_tieu1ture NUTRITION 0F BEGONIA.SEMPERFLORENS The growth and appearance of Begonia Semperflorene in three growing media as affected by various levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with controlled pH by Elmer John.zyhr A.THESIS Submitted to the Graduate School of Michigan State College of Agri- culture and Applied Science in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTH OF SCIENCE Department of Horticulture 19h? JHESIS Introduction Review of Literature Methods and Procedure I. Media.used II. Nutrient levels III. Potting and Identification of plants IV. Fertilizing and leaching V. Soil testing VI. pH control VII. Nutrient control Tabla showing various plant sizes and flower production as affected by different media and nutrient levels. Graphs of periodic soil analyses showing the effect of various treat- ments for nutrient and pH control Description of plants as affected by various treatments Presentation of results Discussions and conclusions Summary Literature cited Acknowledgment 1871553151} 10 11 12 13 lb. 17 26 32 3h 36 38 1. INTRODUCTION There is need of information regarding the nutrient require- ments of Specific flowering plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the most desirable growing media and nutrient levels for Begonia semerflgrens. The importance of growing high-grade plants is far greater today than it was a generation or two ago. It is more difficult to market plants of average quality today because of the competition offered by specialists in each crop who have the best seed. The writer attempts to illustrate the necessity for the proper growing medium, the proper fertility levels, and a uniform pH if quality greenhouse plants are to be obtained. Although vermiculite may be used as a rooting medium and peat may be used for mulching, and also to supply organic matter for greenhouse soils, it is interesting to lmow how each of these growing media will produce a crop when used alone rather than in combination as a complete greenhouse compost soil. ' Soil obtained from the Horticulture Department orchard which was poor in both nutrients and organic matter was also used alone as a growing medium along with vermiculite and peat, because it represents a typical source of soil that many greenhouse operators select for their greenhouse crops. It is also important to maintain a pH of about 6.5 and a proper fertility level for most greenhouse crops. The technique of the problem was to adjust the proper nutrient levels and pH by periodic checking and corrections of nutrients and pH level by the addition or leaching out of materials from the different media.until the desired optimums were reached. Proper pH levels are also very important if maximum.yields and highest quality of begonias are desired. When the crop is ' grown under improper pH, the nutrients are not as readily available to the plants, and inferior crops may result. An interpretation of the data.collected should serve as a basis for the evaluation and modification, if necessary, of the cultural methods of the begonia by growers of such crops under glass. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Begonias are the subject of a.large literature and most of this is in a form of well-organized information for the grower. Cgmmercigl Elgriculggge, by Fritz Bahr (l) is one of the good commercial books providing information on Begonia culture. Cgmmercial.glgE§£.Fgrcipg, by Laurie and.Kiplinger (h) contains both fundamental and advanced information on the culture of the Begonia in addition to the latest information on the appearance of various nutrient defficiencies of the Begonia.plant. Chapter 8, Diagnosing Greenhouse Ills, includes some information on the nutrient deficiency symptoms of the Begonias For more techniCal information on the culture of the Begonia segperflgrens in relation to Baule units required for maximum.crqp yields according to the universal yield enrvel, the g 13 c 9: ‘égggbiglggz,by Willcox (12) is one of the most satisfactory sources of information. Complete information on Begonia.varieties and taxonomy is available in the Cyclgpedia.gf,Horticulture by Bailey. In addi- , tion to the botanical information and general cultural references mentioned, the writer has used special technical bulletins very advantageously in assisting with the routine of this problem. Spurway's Special Bulletin 306 on Soil Reaction (pH) Preferences of Plants (8) was very helpful in determdning the optimum.pE range for the Begonia plants used in this problem, and his Technical Bulletin 132, A.Practical System of Chemdcal Soil l. The Universal‘Growth Curve is found under Methods page. Diagnosis was a valuable guide. Spurway's Special Bulletin 325 (10) showed how soil testing in this problem could be used as a guide for soil fertility control in greenhouses. Rates of application and general properties of the materials used to treat soils are assembled in the above-mentioned reference. Peat has been used as a growing medium for many floricultural crops grown in the field but little information is available regarding its use for pot—plant culture. Wildon (13) defines peat in terms that can be easily understood by florists who grow these greenhouse pot- plant crops. In another article, he (1‘4) expresses the value of peat as a soil builder and the importance of peat, because of its extreme beneficial absorbing qualities. He further states that this absorbing power of peat is of much value in sandy, gravelly and other loose or well-drained soils and in preventing losses of nitrates, potash and other easily soluble plant foods. Vermiculite, a cultural medium, is in the experimental stage of usage and most of the work that has been done has been in relation to rooting crops rather than growing a crop to maturity in the greenhouse in pots. O'Rourke (7) worked with cuttings grown in various grades of vermiculite at Michigan State College, and G. A. May (8) worked with the cuttings of Wei e a We and W gvglifglium as well as W W cuttings, but the work was done in a basement darkroom under continuous illumination from a lOO-wat mazda lamp and automatic bottom heat provided by a lead-sheathed soil—heating cable controlled by a thermostat, using coarse grade vermiculite. Milton (6) calls vermiculite the "Garden Stepchild" in his bulletin, and Terra-lite is termed "Plant Aid" and is recommended as a growing medium for rooting cuttings, plant propagation, seed germination, mulch, to lighten heavy soil, and for storing bulbs. California Stucco Products (11) defines vermiculite as a mineral mica, roasted at over 2,000°F. until it has "popped" like corn. This extreme heat destroys every vestige of life. Thus Mica-Gro is completely freed of all diseases, fungi, bacteria, and insects. At the same time, the extreme temperature changes the physical structure of the mica ore, causing each particle to become a tiny sponge, capable of absorbing many times itsweight in water. In the maze of interstices formed, so much air is also trapped that it is difficult to drown or smother roots growing in vermiculite. This property also makes possible the absorption of chemical fertilizers to a greater degree even than by humus. Moisture and air, the two vital requirements to growth, may thus be supplied by Mica-Gro Vermiculite in generous measure.. Success in seed starting with Mica-Gro Vermiculite, in root- ing cuttings, in conditioning soil, mulching, storing tubers-and bulbs, is being reported by many of America's foremost horti- culturists and greenhouse men. Hunt Company (3) of Chicago has analyzed two samples of vermiculite for the Universal Zonolite Insulating Company of Detroit and the results of their findings of the "Raw Ore" and "Exfoliated" samples are shown in Table No. l . Chadwick (2) grew softWood and deciduous cuttings With silica and vermiculite under three different watering systems and heat. HEIEODS OF RESEARCH 1. Media used. A chemical analysis showed the vermiculite to contain: Nitrates 0 ppm. PhOSphoms 0 ppm. Potash 10 ppm. Further information of complete chemical analysis of both the raw ore and the eid'oliated material will be found in Table l. The soil came from the Horticulture Department orchard which was in sod and partially shaded during the growing season. It was classified as a heavy phase Hillsdale fine sandy loam. A. chemical soil analysis showed it to contain: Nitrates 7 ppm. Phosphorus 0 ppm. Potash 7 ppm. The peat, classified as Rifle peat, came from a farm in the Lansing area and had been stored for some time in a pile unprotected from the weather. A. chemical soil analysis showed it to contain: Nitrates '1 ppm. Phosphorus . 2 ppm. Potash 10 ppm. The above media were adjusted to a uniform pH and main- tained at different nutrient levels for the culture of Beggnia e 8 1' o t ' TABLE No. 1 Analyses of "Vermicul ite" Percentage in duplicate samples "Raw Ore" Moisture (loss at 105°C) . 2.90 Silica (8102) 39.30 Iron oxide (Fe 203) 10.96 Aluminum oxide (£1203) 13.514 Titanium dioxide (r102) 1.30 Calcium oxide (CaO) ‘ 1.01} Magnesium oxide (MgO) 19.80 Sodium and potassium oxides (NaZO-Kzo) n.80 Chlorine (Cl) Trace Sulfur trioxide (so 3) 0.02 Loss on ignition (other than moisture) 5.93 1.25 39-00 11.014 1h.16 1.140 1.08 21 .90 “.88 Trace 0.02 lass 8. "Eggligteg" II. Nutrient levels used. Preparing a properly balanced chart was no easy task since an equivalent ratio of fertilizer elements had to be altered in proper sequence. It was decided that three levels, low, medium, and high, should be established for nitrogen and potash and that phosphorus should be maintained and a high level throughout the experiments except for the check plants. To simplify the work, numbers 1, 2, and 3 have been used to indicate low, medium, and high nutrient levels, respectively. Table 2 presents the possible combinations of low, medium, and high nutrient levels of nitrogen and potash: it was decided to maintain a high level of phOSphOI'us in the growing media for all plants. TABIE No. 2 ' Possible combinations of low (1), medium (2). and high (3) concentrations of nitrogen and potash and high phosphorus. 1-3-1 2-3-1 3-3-1 1-3-2 2-3-2 3-3-2 1-3-3 2-3-3 3-3-3 10. III. Potting and identification of plants. The Begonia plants were taken from three-inch pots that con- tained greenhouse pot-plant soil of high organic content. The plants were uniform and in a healthy condition before they were transferred to the growing media of vermiculite, soil, and peat. The soil was completely washed off the roots of the begonia plants before they were transferred to the new medium and then watered sufficiently to continue normal growth. A few days after the plants had oriented themselves to their new environment, the first fertilizer applica- tion was made.1' Bach pot was marked twice, first with a sin-inch wooden pot label with the proper nutrient level identification marked out it, and, second, black numbers of the proper nutrient levels were marked on the pot for identification if the wooden label were lost. The proper nutrient level identification numbers were taken from Table No. 2, and each group of numbers was labeled alike on each of the three pots of each series, as l - 3 - 1, for group and series No. l, of plants growing in vermiculite, soil and peat. 1. See page If 11. IV. Fertilizing and leaching the crop. The following fertilization procedures for the growing media, vermiculite, soil, and peat, respectively, were followed: For low nutrient levels, the various media were used without addition of nutrients. l teaspoonful, or 8 grams. of ammonium nitrate or of potassium sulphate was used in two gallons of water to represent the medium nutrient levels. 2 teaspoonfuls, or 16 grams, 01‘ ammonium nitrate or potassium sulphate wereused in two gallons of water to represent the high nutrient levels. ~ drops of phosphoric acid was used in two gallons of water for heavy phosphorus applications for all media. . The above treatments were only tentative and it was planned to leach or apply additional fertilizers after the plants became oriented to the media. As soil tests indicated the need, additional fertilizers were applied until the satisfactory nutrient levels were reached. eck Check plants were used to compare with the different fertilized plants. Two different types of check plants were used: (1) those grown unfertilized in each of the selected media, and (2) those grown in a fertile composted soil of manure and sod. 12. V. Soil testing. After the first fertilizer application, chemdcal analyses were made of the media and showed the following: The nitrogen, phosphorus and potash had increased in parts per million over the original analysis before the fertilizer had been applied, but still not enough for optimum plant growth. The hydrogen-ion concentrations were still below or above 6.5. “In addition to another application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, an acid such as orthophosphoric acid should be applied to the vermiculite to change the Hhion concentration to that denoted by a pH of 6.5. Positive ions such as calcium hydroxide should also be added to the peat to change the E-ion concentration to that.denoted by a.pH of 6.5. It is noteworthythat, even though the_vermiculite was treated.with orthophosphoric acid, it altered.the Brion con- centration of vermiculite from 8.0 to 7.5. These data served as an approximation of how much to apply to run tests on growing media.in flower pots without plants growing in them. On the following page is shown the different amounts of each chemical to use as trial applications for the pH requirements for Beggpia segpegflgreps. Reference: Figures 1, 2, and 3. Tables 3, M, and 5 - Series 1, 2, and 3. 13. VI. Control of hydrogen-ion concentration. In order to determine the proper amounts of material to apply to a four-inch pot of growing media to alter the hydrogen-ion con- centration value, some trials were made with unplanted pots of media containing different concentrations of plant nutrients. The writer used 15 pots, or 5 pots for each media, at different concentrations to determine the quantity of lime or acid to apply to the planted pots in the experiment. In the case of the vermiculite, the hydrogen-ion concentration was that denoted by a pH reading of 7.5, though 6.5 was desired. Accordingly, l, 2, 3, l4, and 5 drops of orthophosphoric acid were added to pots l, 2, 3, l4, and 5, respectively. In the case of the soil where the pH was 5.5 and had to be raised to 6.5, quantities of 5, 10, 15. 25, and 75 ml. of calcium hydroxide solution were used on the five trial pots of media. In the case of the peat where the pH was 34.0 and the desired level was 6.5, quantities of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ml. of calcium hydroxide solution were used. After two or three days, the trial pots were tested to determine the hydrogen-ion concentration. It was found that the following amounts of solution were sufficient to change the media reaction to the proper level: Vermiculite: 6 drops of orthophosphoric acid per pot. Soil: 15 ml. of calcium-saturated hydroxide solution per pot. Peat: 75ml. of calcium saturated hydroxide solution per pot. 1h. VII. Nutrient Control. Below are nutrient and pH control recommendations for the second fertilizer application in an attempt to bring the nutrients up to the proper levels. For low nutrient levels the_various media were used without addition of nutrients. l teaspoonful of ammonium sulphate to two gallons of water, or 8 grams for the plants requiring medium.nitrogen,and potassium treatments. 2 teaspoonsful of ammonium.sulphate to two gallons of water, or 16 grams for the plants requiring heavy nitrogen, and potassium treatments. 10 drops of orthophosphoric acid to all media for medium phosphorus treatments. 20 drops of orthophoSphoric acid to all media for heavy phosphorus treatments. In addition to fertilizer treatments, the following materials were added for pH control: 6 drops of orthophosphoric acid per pot for vermiculite. 15 m1. of calcium-saturated hydroxide solution per pot of soil. 75 ml. of calcium-saturated hydroxide solution per pot of peat. Reference: Figures 1, 2, and 3. Tables 3, h, and 5 - Series 1, 2, and 3 15. Below are nutrient and pH control recommendations for the third.fertilizer application in a.final attempt to bring the nutrients up to the proper levels. For low nutrient levels the various media.were used without the addition of nutrients except in very low nutrient cases where plants were approaching death. 2 teaspoonfuls of ammonium.su1phate in two gallons of water, or 16 grams, for the vermiculite plants requiring medium nitrogen treatments. h teaspoonfuls of ammonium sulphate in two gallons of water, or 32 grams, for the vermiculite plants requiring heavy nitrogen treatments. 1 teaspoonful of ammonium sulphate in two gallons of water, or 8 grams, for the soil plants requiring medium nitrogen treat- ments. 2 teaspoonfuls of ammonium sulphate in two gallons of water, or 16 grams, for the soil plants requiring heavy nitrogen treat- ments. The same nitrogen recommendations were used for the peat as for the soil, and in some cases no nitrogen was needed. 1 teaspoonful of potassium.sulphate treatments to two gallons of water, or 8 grams, for medium.potassium treatments for all media. 2 teaspoonfuls of potassium sulphate to two gallons of water, or 16 grams, for heavy potassium.su1phate treatments. 10 drops of orthophosphoric acid to two gallons of water, for medium phosphorus treatments. 20 drops of orthophosphoric acid to two gallons of water, for heavy phorphorus treatments. 16. In addition to the orthophosphoric acid used to bring up the level of phosphorus in ppm units, an addition of superphOSphate was added at the rate of 1 gram per pt to the pots of vermiculite and soil that showed low nutrient levels. 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From.the information obtained from.the first soil test and compared with the required recommendations of nutrient levels for Beggnia semperflgrens, it was found.that the nutrients were increased somewhat for nitrates and potassium, but the phosphorus was still too low for optimum requirements. Either the orthophosphoric acid is not the proper form of phoSphorus as compared with superphosphate or the applications were not heavy enough. The second application of fertilizers was made in the attempt to bring the nutrient requirements up to the proper levels.1’ 2 Second Chemical Analysis of Growing Media. After a.week to ten days, another series of soil tests was made and the results are as follows: The available phosphorus had increased and.the potash was nearly at the desired level, but the nitrogen test of the vermiculite series showed only two to three ppm. instead of 30 to 50 ppm., as indicated by the tests made on the peat pets that are at the optimum levels. The soil pots, on the other hand, showed a test for 10 to 25 ppm. of nitrogen, which is about one-half of the optimum.for the nitrogen requirements. For further reference of the above fertilizer treatment and results refer to footnotes 3 and h. 1. For second fertilizer applications see page 11.. 2. For results of second fertilizer applications see Figures 1, 2, and 3, Tables 3, h,and 5, in Series 1, 2, and 3. 3. Refer to Figures h, 5, and 6. h. Refer to pagesle, 11, 13. 0"" 33. Third Chemical Analysis of Growing Media After ten or twelve days the last series of soil tests was made, allowing enough time for the fertilizers to react on the crop, and the following results were evident: The ppm. requirements for the Begonia semperflorens were not only evident from.the soil test figures, but also the evidence could be seen in the foliage color change from a bricks red in the low nutrient vermiculite plants to a.dark green color again. In addition to the foliage color change back.to normal, there was a very noticeable increase in growth throughout the entire group of plants as well as rapid advancement in flower formation and development. Pictures were taken of this experi- ment shortly after the soil analyses were made and the normality of the plant color was restored. The ppm. requirements for nitrates, phosphates, and pot- assium.were 30 to 50, 5, and 30 to 50, respectively. Although a few of the plants were a.little over or under the require- ments, they did not show much.difference in actual plant comparisons. In reference to the pH requirements for this crop, a.pH of 6.5 was recommended. Most of the plants in the experiment had reached that goal by the close pH control methods. For further reference to the last fertilizer treatment and chemical analyses see footnotes l and 2. 1. Refer to figures 7, 8, and 9. 2. Refer to Tables 9, 10, and 11, Series 7, 8, and 9. 31+. DISCUSS 1014' AND CONCLUSIONS From the data assembled and analyzed in this study, the following significant inferences may be drawn: 1. That there is a need for information regarding the nutrient requirements of specific flowering plants. 2. That there is a necessity for showing growing medium, proper fertility levels, and a uniform pH if quality greenhouse plants are to be obtained. 3. That there is a need for data regarding crop yields under glass when grown on these different growing media. 14. Vermiculite may be used for a rooting medium and peat may be used for mulching and also as an organic mixture for green- house soils; yet when one is used alone the results are quite dif- ferent from a mixture of these materials. 5. Proper pH values are also very important if maximum yields and highest quality of begonias are desired. When the crop is grown under improper pH, the nutrients are not as readily available to the plants. 6. An interpretation of the data collected should serve as a basis for the evaluation and modification, if necessary, of the cultural methods of the begonia by growers of such crops under glass. 7. The writer provided some experimental evidence concerning the selection of proper growing media at the most desirable nutrient levels and the optimum hydrogen-ion concentration of the growing medium required for best growth of mg semrflgreng. 35. 8. It can be concluded that the plants grown in the peat have given the best results, not only for size of plants, but for greener foliage and a.greater production of flowers, due to the ability of the peat to hold the nutrients and a better base exchange. 9. The vermiculite showed the least production of foliage, and quality of color as well as less flower production, because of the length of time required for the vermiculite to build up a nutrient supply to become available to the crop as compared with soil or peat. If the vermiculite is given a long enough.time to allow the nutrients to become available, then the results would be somewhat similar to plants grown in peat. Verndculite can be used as a rooting medium satisfactorily, but when used for maturing a crop it takes a longer time for the crop to become established and requires a lot more nutrients to mature the crop as compared with the soil and peat grown plants. 10. The soil-grown plants made an intermediate growth and yielded an.intermediate supply of flowers and the foliage was not as green in appearance as the plants grown in the peat. The soil would.have pro- duced a growth similar to that produced on the peat if peat and sand had been added, which is evident in the check plants where such a mixture was made. Because of the poor physical condition of the soil used in the experiment, in which case no peat or other organic matter was added to increase the porosity of the soil, the result was an intermediate growth and this is where most of the growers who grow crops under glass, especially potted.plants, should be careful in proper soil mixture, nutrient supply, and maintenance of proper pH levels for each specific crop. 360 SUMHARY l. The experiment was set up to determdne the nutrient levels of nitrogen, phoSphorus, and potassium for Beggnia gemperflgrens. 2. The different media.used for growing the Begonia plants were vermiculite, soil, and peat. 3. A.hydrogen-ion concentration of 6.5 seems to be desirable for optimum growth and development of Beggnig segperflgregs. h. It was found that the parts per million requirement for best growth and development for Beggnia semperflgregg was 30 to NO of nitrogen, 5 of phosphorus, and 30 to MO of potassium. 5. Improper nutrient levels and hydrogen-ion concentrations will result in inferior crops of stunted growth and discolored foliage, which was evident at the beginning of the experiment when the nutrients and hydrogen-ion concentrations had to be adjusted. 6. Proper nutrient levels and.hydrogen-ion concentrations, as well as proper growing media, result in the most desirable crop, 7. The plants grown in peat gave the best results, due to the ability of the peat to hold the nutrients and provide a.better base exchange. 8. The vermiculite showed the least production because of the length of time required to build.up a.nutrient supply to become available to the crop, as compared with soil or peat. 9. The plants grown in soil made an intermediate growth be- cause of the poor physical condition of the soil, which.was due to 'the lack:of organic matter such as peat or manure, as well as sand, to aid in the porosity of the soil and nutrient holding capacity. 37. 10. It was observed that, as this crop was finally brought to proper nutrient levels and hidrogen-ion concentrations, the brickp red color and blemishes cleared up and the entire crop, except for one or two plants growing in the vermiculite and soil, was again brought back to a healthy green color. L ITERATUPE C ITED Bahr, Fritz 1939 Commercial Floriculture. pp. 303-30h, 30u-306, 115-301, 17-36. Chadwick, L. C. l9h7 Nursery Notes. Experiments in Plant Propagation. Tests made of softwood cuttings of deciduous and evergreen plants during the summer of l9h6. Cut- tings grown in medium and coarse silica and.verud- culite and.watered with 3 watering methods. Hunt, R.'7. l9h3 Analyses of "Vermiculite". Analyses of two samples of Vermiculite with results and findings. "Raw Ore" and “Exfoliated” samples analyzed. Laurie and Kiplinger 19H” Commercial Flower Forcing. The Ihndamentals Ind Their Practical Application to the Culture of Greenhouse Crops. pp. 56, 2h9-250, h62-h65. May, C. A. l9h2 Rapid Rooting of Cuttings. Booting of Cuttings with continuous illumination and Termostat controlled heat. Science 102, summer of l9h2. Milton, R. 19M6 TerrasLite Brand Vermiculite Plant Aid. The Garden Stepchild. pp. 2-5. O‘Rourke, F. L. 19h5 Rooting Greenwood Cuttings without Sunlight under Fluorescent Lamps. Science 101: 5&6. may, 19u5. Biker, A. J. 19M6 The Preparation of Manuscripts. Writing - a Part of Research. pp. 953-997. Spurway, C. Spurway, C. 19“} Spurway, C. l9hh 39. H. The Simplex Soil Testing Method. Michigan State College Technical Bulletin 132, pp. 3-25. H. Soil Fertility Control for Greenhouses, Michigan State College Special Bulletin 325, pp. 7-19, 21-61;. H. Soil Reaction (pR) Prefeferences of Plants. Michigan State College Special Bulletin 306, pp. 7. Stucco Products l9h6 MicarGro Vermiculite as a.Mineral Mica. Vermiculite used for seed-starting, rooting cuttings, conditioning soil, mulchings, storing tubes, bulbs, etc. Wilcox, 0. W. 1937 AtB.C. of Agrobiology. The Quantitative Science of Plant Life and Plant Nutrition for Gardeners, Farmers and General Readers. pp. 1-17, 61-72, 75-100. Wildon, C. E. 1937 What is Peat? Nuchigan State Florists Association March Bulletin. pp. 3-h. Wildon, C. E. 1937 Peat as a $011 Builder. Michigan State Florists Association Bulletin, February. pp. h. ACKEO’I‘TLEDGI‘EI‘IT The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the persons who helped make this study possible: especially, Professor C. E. Wildon, Dr. C. R. Spurway, and Dr. Rt L. Cook.for suggestions concerning methods; Dr. J. E. Moulton, for assistance with photography as well as organization of materials, and Dr. R. E. Marshall, Assistant Professor C. E. Sherwood, and Evan P. Roberts, for assistance in the routine of the experiment. 1 N STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 0 1293 3056 I402 MICHIG III]