278 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



Rhus copallina, Linne. 



North America, extending to Canada. A comparatively 

 dwarf species. This can be used for tanning. A resin for 

 varnishes is also obtained from this shrub. 



Rims coriaria, Linne.* 



The Tanner's Sumach. Countries around the Mediterranean 

 Sea. The foliage of this shrub or small tree, reduced to 

 powder, forms the Sumach of commerce. It is remarkably 

 rich in tannic acid, yielding as much as 30 per cent., and is 

 extensively used for the production of a superior Corduan- or 

 Maraquin-leather and pale-coloured leathers and dress goods. 

 Sumach allows the leather to carry more grease (Bailment). 

 Price in Melbourne 36 per ton. The cultivation presents no 

 difficulty. It thrives best in loose calcareous soils and cannot 

 endure stagnant water. The strongest Sumach is produced 

 on dry ground. A gathering can be obtained from suckers 

 in the first year. The duration of Sumach fields under manure 

 extends to fifteen years. Sumach can also be used for ink and 

 various, particularly black, dyes. Under favourable circum- 

 stances as much as a ton of Sumach is obtained from an acre. 



Rims cotinus, Linne. 



The Scotino. Countries of the Mediterranean Sea, extending 

 to the Himalayas. The wood of this bush furnishes a yellow 

 pigment. The Scotino, so invaluable as a material for yellow 

 and black dye, and as a superior tanning substance, consists 

 of the ground foliage of this plant. It contains up to 24 per 

 cent, tannin. 



Rhus glabra, Linne. 



North America, extending to 54 north latitude. This Sumach 

 shrub will grow on rocky and sterile soil. It produces a kind 

 of gall, and can also be used as a good substitute for the 

 ordinary Sumach. This species can be easily multiplied from 

 suckers. It will live on poor soil. American Sumachs con- 

 tain generally from 15 to 20 per cent, tannin or occasionally 

 up to 26 per cent, tannin. 



Rhus lucida, Linne. 



South Africa. This shrub proved in Victoria of particular 

 adaptability for forming hedges ; it is evergreen, close grow- 

 ing, and stands clipping well. About half a hundred South 

 African species are known, of which probably some could be 

 utilised like ordinary Sumach, but hitherto we have remained 



