436 KALMIA LATIF OLIA. ~ 
lution, the mucus separates in the form of a floc- 
culent coagulum, which is tough and stringy, and 
on drying has a brownish colour. When chewed, 
it soon fills the mouth with mucilage. 
Silicated potash rendered the upper stratum of 
the liquid dark and opaque, but without any pre- 
cipitate like that which takes place in the mucilage 
of gum. 
2. Tannin. This is readily thrown down from 
the decoction and tincture by gelatin. The sul- 
phate of iron strikes with it a very black colour. 
3. Resin. This also exists plentifully. It 
communicates to aleohol a reddish colour, and is 
instantly precipitated from it by water. When 
obtained pure, it is of a reddish cast, fusible, in- 
flammable and moderately bitter. 
I have not detected any extractive, properly 
so called, in these leaves. When the muriate of | 
tin is added to the decoction, it separates a very 
copious yellow precipitate. This however is ow- 
ing to the mucus. If alcohol be first added to the 
decoction, and the coagulum which it forms with- 
drawn ; the fluid no longer gives a precipitate with 
muriate of tin, — it readily yields one to 
gelatin. 
‘Distillation with water affords a mild fluid with. 
little taste or odour. 
