1 84 N^W SOUTH WALES. 



tlie judicious use of alcoliol, wliicli can be recondensed and largely 

 saved. Arrangements miglit be made, if necessary, for constituting 

 each extract works a bond, and using duty-free spirit. 



I feel so strongly on the subject of tanning extracts that, if I were 

 not precluded from entering into business, tlie making of extracts on 

 a large scale is one of tbe first things I should turn my attention to. 

 I say this in jierfect sincerity. 



ll'attle and other Gums. 



Wattle-gum is the produce of various species of wattle {Acacia), a 

 genus which is very largely developed in this continent, comprising 

 over 320 species, besides a large number of well-marked varieties. 

 Gum has^ however, only been recorded from comparatively few species, 

 as by far the great majority have no local names, and where it has 

 been collected at all it has been simply known as " Wattle-gum." 

 Best selected turkey gum arabic is the ideal gum of the group to which 

 wattle gum belongs, and if judging were to be by points, it would 

 take the highest place as regards absence of coloui', freedom from 

 accidental impurities, ready solubility, and adhesiveness of mucilage. 

 Our wattle-gums as a rule fall far behind this high standard, although 

 specimens of yarran, myall, and prickly wattle {Acacia sent is) gum 

 compare with it very favourably. As far as my observations go, those 

 samples obtained from the interior (comparable in its aridity to the 

 Soudan and other gum-producing countries), are completely soluble in 

 water, and make good mucilages, while those obtained east of the 

 Dividing Range, i.e., in well-watered districts, in Avhich vegetation is 

 comparatively luxuriant, are more or less insoluble, portions at least 

 merely swelling up in water like cherry gum. 



Australian wattle-gum (chiefly, however, from the other colonies), 

 frequently finds its way into the Loudon market, and may often be 

 seen noted in the drug sales. Following are a few extracts from 

 recent London market rejDorts (auction sales), none of them, however, 

 referring to the best wattle-gum : — 



" Of 71 bags Australian only 7 bags sold at 32s. Gd. per cwt. for fine 

 frosted palish." (April, 1895). 



"Of Australian gums a considerable quantity (239 jDackages), 

 including some nice lots, was offered, but only 8 packages ordinary to 

 common glassy red sold at 21s. 6d to 23s. per cwt.'^ (June, 1895.) 



" The market was rather quiet for most varieties, several lots being 

 held above current value. The only kind which sold with really 

 good competition at full price was Australian gum, which appears to 

 be wanted for Eussia. The following is the result of the auctions : — 

 'Australian, of 295 packages, 180 sold at 31s. to 33s. for bold, partly 

 woody mixed red; 27s. Cd. for frosted reddish; 26s. Gd. to 27s. foi 

 ordinary quality red; and 20s. for siftings.' " (October, 1895.) 



''Good, Ijright glassy to fine bold frosted Australian sold at 27s. to 

 33s. percwt.''^ (November, 1895.) 



I would, therefore, earnestly recommend dwellers in the drier parts 

 of the country, where there are wattles, to look after the gum, and 

 carefully collect it. I would also include such trees as the leopard tree 

 {Flindcrsia maculosa), which yields a gum araljic of excellent quality. 



