12 MARCH 1927, Page 14

MORNING LIGHT AND COLOUR.

Not even the dying Goethe so much desired "more light" as the modern man of science. Following the doctors of the ZOO monkeys, the authorities at Kew (very lovely at the moment) are to try the effect of Vita glass on plants. Will their health and strength react to ultra-violet rays ? The behaviour of plants in various lights is queer and unexpected. For example : an amateur gardener, of no particular scientific accomplishment, has been making experiments on the colour of flowers by screening them from the sun at certain hours. He discovered that, in certain species at any rate, they owed their colour to the early morning sun. Their brilliance and growth were unaffee. ted by the loss of afternoon sunshine ; but they grew pale and anaemic if they could not drink true Eastern light. "Johnny-go-to-bed-by-noon" and- flowers of like habit seem to know a thing or two. But in all seriousness the point is perhaps worth scientific notice. Birds as well ag nasturtiums and salsify exhibit at least double activity in the morning hours. What about man ? Who knows ? We may someday cure all our ills by greeting the sunrise through unglazed or scientifically glazed windows.'