300 ODOROGRAPHIA. 



repeated crystallisation from benzene and ether it appears to 

 yield an alcohol, 0,3 ^ 4^0, melting at 78^ C, and a substance, 

 C39 Hg, O3, melting at 105" C* 



Carnauba Wax has an extensive consumption in the northern 

 provinces of Brazil especially at Ceara, where it has become an 

 important branch of industry. The annual export of this wax 

 is, according to our Consul's report, about 871,000 Kilos. 



Copernicia cerifera is one of the most useful trees in 

 Brazil, developing itself without any culture in Ceara, Pdo Grande 

 do Xorte, Bahia, &c. Perhaps in no country is a plant applied 

 to so many and varied purposes. It resists the most prolonged 

 drought and preserves itself constantly luxuriant and green. 

 Its roots possess the same medicinal properties as the Salsaparilha. 

 From the trunk are obtained strong fibres, which have a beautiful 

 lustre, and timber very useful in the construction of palisades 

 and enclosures. From the upper part of this palm, called the 

 Palmetto top, a very nutritious food is prepared, also a wine, 

 vinegar, and a saccharine matter. During times of excessive 

 drought this tree has often served as a means of support to the 

 populations of Ceara and Eio Grande do Xorte. From the wood 

 of the tree musical instruments are made, also tubes serving for 

 the cylinders of pumps. The delicate fibrous substance of the 

 pith makes a good substitute for cork. The pulp of the fruit is of 

 agreeable taste, and the nut, oily and emulsive, is, after being 

 roasted and reduced to powder, used as coffee by many persons in 

 the interior. From the trunk of the tree a species of flour, similar 

 to maizena, is extracted, as well as a liquid resembling that of the 

 Bahia cocoa nut. 



The Canauba wax which coats the leaves of Corijijlia cerifera 

 Arrud., another Brazilian palm, is probably identical with the 

 above product, inasmuch as it melts at 84° and yields by 

 saponification an alcohol melting at 88° C. 



A writer in the " American Druggist " has recently listed the 

 chief varieties of vegetable wax, among which are included certain 

 substances known as " vegetable tallows or fats," as follows : — 



1. Carnauba wax, called also " Ceara " or " Brazil wax," from 

 Copernicia cerifera. 



* See also Berard, in Bulletin de la Societe Chimique [2], ix., p. 41. 



