so hard as to resist any ordinary method of cutting. From 

 samples of the whole and clipped roots, kindly furnished me by 

 Mr. Denig, I have found 17'33 per cent, of tannin. This figure 

 is rather lower than that obtained by other investigators, but 

 the deficiency may be explained by my sample containing more 

 moisture. Dr. E. Sturcke has found a total of 28*57 per cent, 

 of tannin. 



The ground root is at presort used in a number of tanneries, 

 and has been found to more closely resemble Gambier in its 

 action than any other tanning material. An extract has also 

 been prepared and used which contains from 40 to 60 per cent, 

 tannin, and it is thought that in this form it will probably replace 

 Grambier. Should the hopes and efforts of those who are 

 engaged in the development of this material be realised, 

 we shall have a source of tannin which is said to be inexhaustible, 

 aud which will be the means of either bringing a better Gambier 

 into this market, or of driving it entirely out of use here. Jt is 

 said that the dried and ground root can be delivered in any part 

 of the United States at a price not exceding 3 cents per pound. 



Thus after a delay of 20 years this root has reached that 

 stage of practical application when a useful future may be 

 predicted for it, and the persistent efforts of the past four years 

 have every prospect of being rewarded." * * ' * * * 



The Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, having obtained a 

 specimen of the roots from the United States National Mnseum, 

 submitted it to Mr. W. N. Evans F.C.S. for analysis, and his 

 report is as follows : — 



Mr. W. N. Evans, F.C.S. to Royal Gardens, Kew. 

 Dear Sir, 



Your favour of the 12th came duly to hand, with 

 sample of Canaigre roots, and I am glad to be able to enclose 

 analysis of the same, which shows that the roots will be a valu- 

 able addition to our list of tanning products. It is very curious 

 to notice the different results of previous analyses, but it is 

 useless attempting to test any product until it is sufficiently dry 

 to grind or pulverise. 



I presume from its growing in Texas, that it will flourish 

 in suitable soil in any lemperate climate, and may be grown to 

 any extent with but little attention. I trust it may be a great 

 blessing to the trade, as just now our principal materials, such as 

 Valonia and Gambier, are scarce and dear. 



Of course it has yet to be tried in the tannery but there 

 appears to be nothing, so far as we can see, that should prevent 

 its full value being realised. 



I remain &c. 

 (Signed) W. N. EVANS. 

 D. Morris, Esq. 



