Compound Celluloses 113 



determinations given in the original paper (J. Chem. Soc. 1893, 



967). 



The preceding table contains the results of a more extended 

 scheme of investigation than is required for special and more 

 practical purposes. The results, however, all have the value of 

 * constants,' depending as they do upon definite properties of the 

 fibre-substance. It is an amplification of the scheme adopted by 

 Webster (J. Chem. Soc. 43, 23), working in collaboration with the 

 authors ; and, again, of that given by the authors in the Reports 

 Col. and Indian Exhibition, 1886. 



For the fibre grown in 1893, from the seed saved from the above, 

 the following constants were determined (J. Chem. Soc. 1894,471): 



C H 



Elementary composition . t 43-5 6'O 



Furfural yield 8-55 p. ct 



Cl absorption . . . . . 15*0 



The chief feature of these results is the preservation of the 

 essential constitutional features of the lignocellulose with such con- 

 siderable variation from the normal in elementary composition. 



Notwithstanding this wide divergence in composition, the fibre- 

 substance showed all the essential characteristics of constitu- 

 tion of the ordinary product. The observed difference is, 

 therefore, in the main associated with hydration ; and lignifica- 

 tion is evidently a process which is independent of dehydrating 

 conditions. 



The lignocelluloses, however, under normal conditions of 

 growth are progressively dehydrated, and in nearly all cases, 

 therefore, are characterised by high carbon percentage (46-51). 

 These considerations lead up to the general question of the 

 relationships of the jute fibre to water. 



Jute Fibre and Water. Lignocellulose Hydrates. 

 The hygroscopic moisture of ordinary jute varies, under normal 

 atmospheric conditions, from 9-12 p.ct., the variation being, 

 of course, chiefly dependent upon temperature and ' dew point/ 

 or rather the percentage saturation of the air with aqueous vapour. 



