192 
which purpose the tree was felled, denuded of its sapwood and 
the logs finally shipped to the United States of America and to 
Germany. At the present day the extract is prepared on the 
spot by a simple process, the logs being put through a machine 
which reduces them to chips which are then boiled in water 
until all soluble matter is extracted from them. The solution 
thus obtained is concentrated down to the consistency of pitch, 
and in this form, after being dried, it is exported to all parts of 
the world for the use of tanners. 
From a recent report issued by the United States Department 
of Commerce it appears that there is a danger of the extinction 
of the Quebracho forests owing to the wasteful methods of 
exploitation. The Report states that “the total available 
tonnage of Quebracho standing in 1922 has been liberally 
estimated at 71,300,000 metric tons for Argentina and 3,500,000 
metric tons for Paraguay. A minimum estimate of the potential 
production of Quebracho extract by the companies now operating 
in Argentina and Paraguay is about 240,000 metric tons per 
annum, and as 1 ton of Quebracho extract represents about 
43 tons of logs it would require an annual felling of 1,400,000 
metric tons of Quebracho wood for tanning purposes alone in 
these two countries. Add to this the annual felling for con- 
struction work, paving blocks, fuel, telegraph and telephone 
poles, for which this wood is extensively used, also an annual 
requirement of 3,600,000 railway sleepers, 1,600,000 fence posts, 
and an annual exportation of Quebracho logs varying from 108,945 
metric tons in 1917 to 56,582 in 1920 (decrease due to world-wide 
industrial and commercial depression) and the duration of the 
present stands of Quebracho wood can be readily grasped, 
together with the necessity for forest protection and the restora- 
tion of denuded tracts. This should not prove difficult, as with 
proper forestry methods the natural stock can be replaced in 
25 to 50 years. 
“ With the extension of railroads through the forestal regions, 
the greater exploitation of Quebracho will be facilitated, and as 
an increasing demand for leather may be anticipated with the 
general revival of the industries, it is safe to assume that the 
required annual tonnage of Quebracho wood will be greatly 
enlarged, thereby reducing the existence of the present stands 
to 20 or possibly 25 years, unless energetic measures for the. 
replacement of felled trees and the establishing of new forests 
in suitable places are adopted.” 
Products of the Quebracho tree will be found in Case 30, 
Museum I., and a railway-sleeper. of the wood in Museum III. 
at Kew.—J. M. H. 
Printed under the authority of His pe al S$ STATIONERY OFFICE 
By aS = rH tpt me Ltd., East Harding Street, E.C. 4, 
the King’s most Excellent Majesty. 
