BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 37 
should be diminished :—and increased where firmness is 
wanted. By prolonging the process, much hardness may 
be acquired, and moulds and balls of Gutta Percha will 
bear turning in the lathe, like wood or ivory. The material 
is also applicable to useful and ornamental purposes, 
as picture-frames, door-handles, walking-sticks, chessmen, 
handles of swords and knives, buttons, combs, flutes, &c. &c. 
By the admixture of sulphuric acid, or of a tenth or larger 
part of vegetable wax or tallow, any degree of solubility, 
pliancy and softness may be acquired: or the composition 
may be used as varnish, to cover other materials, conceal- 
ing any odour, and imparting a surface, impervious to 
water. In printing and painting of silk or cotton, it seems 
applieable to many uses, for it amalgamates readily with 
colours ; when interposed between two thin sheets of gold 
leaf or tin foil, it combines them firmly in one. 
Numerous are the purposes to which Mr. Hancock pro- 
poses applying the Gutta Percha ; but the above-named may 
suffice for our readers. 
BouRGEAv's Canary Island Plants. 
A second series of this most interesting collection has been 
issued, and we would strongly urge those who desire to 
possess them to make an early application. (we believe 
Mr. Heward, Young Street, Kensington, is willing to 
undertake this commission); for, such fine specimens, so 
authentically named, and from a country whence it is —— 
. difficult to obtain plants, cannot fail to be much in 
demand, 
M. Bourgeau bas himself returned from the Canaries to - =. 
Canary Island seeds to the Royal Gardens of Kew. We Mapa a 
he will visit some other equally interesting oanig and * 
benefit science by bis fature collections. | Soa 
