56 



This particular sample came from Whittabranah, AVilcanniay 

 N.8.W. It weighs several pounds, and was obtained in large 

 pieces from two average trees, without using a ladder. Out of 

 reach there was about an equal quantity to be seen, and which 

 was left on the trees ; a large quantity was also found lying on 

 the ground, partially decomposed. It was so hard on the trees 

 that a hammei' and chisel were necessary to remove it. 



It is quite free from odour, and has a dark reddish colour. 

 When pure it has a bright fracture, but much of it is mixed with 

 woody matter in a fine state of division. The warmth of the 

 hand is sufficient to cause the resin to adhere to it. It sticks to 

 the teeth, but is without taste. It is reduced to powder with 

 the utmost facility, forming a dull powder. It is rather opaque 

 looking. 



In cold water the substance whitens slightly. If the water be 

 boiled, the liquid becomes very turbid, reminding one of coffee 

 with excess of milk and with abundant "grounds." No odour 

 is developed. 



Petroleum spirit extracts 5-2 per cent, of a hard, transparent, 

 brownish resin. 



The residue is acted upon by alcohol, which extracts 60-1 per 

 cent, of a brownish resin. 



This residue is then digested in water, which extracts 5-6 per 

 cent, of a yellowish substance, consisting chiefly of arabin. The 

 residue consists of 26*5 per cent, of a brownish substance which 

 swells enormously in water, and which consists of metarabin (14 

 per cent.), Avhile the remainder is accidental impurity. 



/Summary. — Resin soluble in petroleum spirit ... 5 -2 



" " alcohol 60-1 



Soluble in water (arabin) ... ... 5*6 



Metarabin 14-0 



Accidental impurity ... ... 12-5 



Moisture ... ... ... ... I'T 



The presence of metarabin in this exudation is remarkable, in 

 view of the fact that pararabin is the main constituent of gums 

 of this Natural Order. I have subjected my experiments to very 

 careful repetition and revision. It contains no tannic acid. 



The present is the first occasion in which a resin (or, to speak 

 more correctly, a substance consisting mainly of resin) has been 

 recorded from any Protead, so far as the author is aware, and 

 certainly from any Australian species. 



Hakea acicularis, Ii. Br. 



The " plentiful " occurrence of Hakea gum in Western Aus- 

 tralia has already been alluded to. In Southern New South 



