APPLICATION OF PINE-TREES. 277 
are told, that the sheets do not require sizing. The only difference 
between writing-paper made of Pine-wood and writing-paper made of - 
rags is that the former is not quite so white as the latter; but this 
defect M. Gross is in hopes of being able to remedy by bleaching. 
The printing-paper of Pine-wood is considered excellent, takes the ink 
readily, and is said to be superior to any other for printing in colours. 
Pasteboard made of Pine-wood is very strong, and is already much used 
on the Continent. 
Another, though not quite so recent, discovery is that of M. Pane- 
Witz, near Breslau, preparing, by chemical decomposition of the leaves 
of Pinus sylvestris, Linn., a hemp-like fibre. This fibre, called in Ger- 
man ** Wald-wolle," a term best rendered into English by ** Pine-wool,” 
is now extensively employed for stuffing pillows, cushions, and mat- 
trasses, or instead of wadding. Its chief advantages are, according to- 
the published testimonies of several railway directors and superinten- 
dents of hospitals, that it lasts very long, retains its elasticity, harbours 
no insects, and never becomes mouldy. It is also woven into blankets, 
counterpanes, and similar articles. 7 
The manufacture of Pine-wool is carried on on a large scale at Hum; 
boldt’s Au; about five German miles from Breslau. The liquid or de- 
coction developed by the process, containing principally formic acid, 
tetherie oil, and resin, is used for medicinal baths, which are at present 
in high repute, and considered beneficial for cutaneous diseases, scrofula, 
and nervous and rheumatic complaints; it imparts elasticity and soft- 
ness to the skin, especially if the strength of the liquid is increased by 
the addition of Pine-wool extract (Extractum pinus sylvestris), and the 
skin be washed with Pine-wool soap (Sapo pinus sylvestris). The Pine- 
wool oil (Oleum pinus sylvestris ethereum), applied to the skin, produces 
a similar effect to the baths, and if administered internally it has been 
found to answer as a vermifuge. ~ 
Specimens of the Pine-wool, and different iiiki manufactured of . 
it, as well as of the extract, soap, oil, and pasteboard above mentioned, - 
together with a series of notes on them, have lately been presented to — 
the Museum of Economie Botany at the Royal Gardens at Kew, by 
Professors Goeppert and Treviranus ; and these materials have been the 
chief sources of information in drawing up this brief notice of sub- - 
stances destined to become of considerable importance to mankind. 
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