441 



obtained, in order to trace what action the steeping had ex- 

 erted on the plant. He found the composition of the hemp 

 extract, dried at 212°, to be, 



Carbon 28.28 



Hydrogen 4.16 



Nitrogen 3.28 



Oxygen 15.08 



Ashes 49.20 



100.00 

 If we exclude the ashes, the organic part consisted of 



Carbon 55.66 



Hydrogen • 8.21 



Nitrogen 6.45 



Oxygen 29.68 



100.00 



This composition approaches to that of the azotized ani- 

 mal substances, and surpasses the animal manures usually 

 sold. The water in which hemp has been steeped contains 

 thus most of the nitrogen of the plant, and if poured over 

 the soil should serve efficiently to restore its fertile powers. 



The ashes of the hemp extract require also to be noticed, 

 for the plant, in steeping, gives up to the water especially its 

 soluble constituents. The ashes of the leaves of hemp con- 

 tain in 22 parts only 1.77 soluble in water, or 8.05 per cent., 

 whilst the ashes of the hemp extract contain in 49.2 parts, 

 29.70 parts soluble in water, or 60.4 per cent. Thus almost 

 all the alkaline constituents of the ashes are dissolved out 

 by the water, whilst the earthy materials remain associated 

 with the residual portions of the stem. 



Dr. Kane next examined the stem, as it remains after 

 treatment for the fibre, by steeping and peeling. Dried at 

 212° this hemp residue consisted of 



2q 2 



