CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF FLAX PLANT. 147 
Ash of Straw. Of Capsules. 
Potash ‘ ‘ + 20°32 16°38 
Soda . 7 : : 2:07 6:25 
Chloride of Sodium , , » 9:27 12:98 
Lime : ; . » 19°88 13°95 
Magnesia . : 5 - 405 3°91 
. Oxide of Iron. ‘ 7 . 2°83 0°38 
Sulphuric Acid : : » 713 14:51 
Phosphoric Acid - , - 10°24 23°26 
Carbonic Acid j 3 - 10°72 6:37 
Silica : 2 A . 12:80 0°67 
Total F : - 99°31 99°66 
“The proportion of nitrogen contained in the straw and capsules were 
ascertained to be as follows, per cent. : 
1. In the straw, dried at 212° . : hs - 0°53 
2. In the capsules or bolls, ditto . ‘ - 1:26 
“ The general results of the examination of a specimen of Flax straw taken 
from the experimental crop, are as follow: The presence of a volatile oil 
having been indicated, a quantity of the stems of the plant carefully deprived 
of the seed capsules was distilled with water containing common salt; and 
from the distillate, which was without action on litmus, I obtained an oil of 
a yellow colour. Five pounds of the stems afforded about ten grains of this 
oil, which had an agreeable, penetrating odour, and the distillate of the stems 
suggested the peculiar smell which is remarked on entering « room where 
Flax is stored. The solutions obtained on examination were found to con- 
tain wax ; traces of chlorophylle ; a peculiar green resin ; a bright brown gum 
resin, which presented some of the characters of the principle which 
Pagenstecher termed linen, but could not be identified with it; a modification 
of tannic acid which afforded a grey precipitate with perchloride of iron, but 
was not affected by solutions of isinglass or tartar emetic; gum, not affected 
by solution of borax or basic silicate of potash; a brown colouring matter ; 
albumen; casein; starch; pectin; cellulose; and salts.” 
The result of Dr. Hodges’ experiments has been further 
placed in a very clear light by Mr. Wilson. The object of 
these was to ascertain the relative proportions of the produce 
of Flax, and also the distribution of inorganic matter in them. 
The Flax employed had been steeped in the ordinary way, and 
was found to contain 1°78 per cent. of ash. Of this, air-dried 
straw, 4000 lb. weight, were taken, which produced : 
Of dressed fibre . 500]b. 
» fine tow : . 132,, 
», coarse tow . 3 292); 
Of fibre in all . - 824]b. 
These products contained : 
