238 



Haematoxylon campechianum is supposed to be tlie logwood of com- 

 merce, but the above species is largely exported under that name, and 

 lias been for many years. Seemann, as long ago as 1848-1850, stated 

 that the wood was largely exported from Mazatlan. It is not now so 

 extensively exported from the west coast as formerly, but it is one of 

 the chief exports from Altata, while much wood is shipped from Piaxtla, 

 a small place down the coast, and also from Mazatlan. 



The wood from Altata goes chiefly to Havre and Hamburg, ships 

 often being loaded with this wood alone. 



On account of this extensive cutting it is hard to find specimens of 

 any size along the coast, but in some of the hot interior valleys large 

 shrubs or even small trees are to be seen. Although so very common, 

 this species is rarely collected botanically, there being specimens in 

 the National Herbarium from only three localities. This is undoubt- 

 edly the Haematoxylon campechianum referred to by Seemann as coming 

 from near Mazatlan. 

 Lysiloma Candida Brandegee. Palo hlanco. 



A great quantity of tanbark is used at Guaymas. It is brought 

 from Lower California in small boats. 1 saw one consignment of 170 

 bags landed dune 9, 1897. Sometimes 1,000 bags are brought over at 

 one time. Each bag contains about 200 pounds. It is worth $25 per 

 ton in Lower California and about $-'50 at Guaymas. 



There is a tannery some 3 miles southwest of Guaymas, which I vis- 

 ited. 1 found that the chief bark used was the palo bianco ( Lysiloma 

 Candida), of which great quantities are consumed. It is said to be very 

 strong in tannic acid. The work in the tannery is chietly done by 

 Yaqui Indians, but is superintended by Mexicans or Americans. Mod- 

 ern methods are followed in the treatment of the hides, etc., and a very 

 good quality of leather is produced. " Torote" wood is used' to some 

 extent. This is perhaps Bursera microphylla. In this case it is not the 

 bark that is used, but the wood. This is split up much like kindling 

 wood into pieces 10 to 15 cm. (4 to (J inches) long. 



The cascalote bean (Oaesalpinia coriaria) is used in tanning small 

 hides. It is shipped in bags in great quantities from Manzanillo. 



For this information and for samples I am indebted to Mr. 1*. B. 

 Chism, the owner of the tannery, and to Messrs. C. E. Randall and 

 Frank Park hurst. 



The bark of huinecastle ( Enterolobium cycloearpum) is used at Colomas 

 for tanning purposes. At Colotlan the bark from one of the oaks found 

 on the mountain sides is used. 



The specimens brought back are: 

 EB No. 109. Bark of Lyxiloma Candida, nseil in tanning. 

 Eli No. 110. Wood of Bursera microphylla, vised in tanning. 

 Jatropha spathulata occidentals. Tecote piueto. 



This bush is very common on the west coast, and is, according to Dr. 

 Palmer, sometimes exported, being used both as a dye and for tanning 

 purposes. 



