ELECTRICITY IN THE GARDEN.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13105, 2 May 1908, Page 9

ELECTRICITY IN THE GARDEN.

'runs LATEST DAINTY.

TJnrbed Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

PARIS, April 30. Strawberries grown by means of electricity are the latest dainty in I'ariß, tho fruit being forced by an electric ounrent. They are of excellent, flavour, and of large size. ""*"" It is some time since tho effect of electricity and electric j-nrht on plants was first observed. Experiment were made in America three years ago with seeds of several kinds of 'vegetables planted in. insulated boxes, -where they were subjected to electrical currents of various kinds and intensities. The results showed that an alternating current of rather Tow intensity was the most effective stimulant, increasing the growth in some cases as much as bi per cent. The use of atmospheric electricity, drawn to the soil by means of a pole surmounted byeteel points —;Somewha.t on the principle of a light- - ning-rod—made l Hie seeds grow 55 per cent faster than normally for the first fortv-eighfc hours, 23 per cent, for seventy-two hours, and 17 per coat. for ninety-six hours. The effect of electric light at night oni the growth of plants has been established by experiment made by Prof. L. H. Bailey, of Cornell. Ho found that,, by suspending an arc light above vegetables growing under glass, they were so affected as to grow much faster, maturing in the case of lettuce, from a week to ten days earlier than usual. Tho direct rays from, the lamp injure most plants, if unahaded .y glass.