165 
property may be lost on keeping or by fermentation. The species 
which gave this reaction were Aloe erox, A. purpurascens, and A, 
succotrina. Of these we wish to particularly notice A. succotrina. 
The inspissated juice of this plant gives reactions which are exceedingly 
like those of commercial Natal, viz. 
* (1) A crimson colour with nitric acid which remained for a con- 
e 
siderable tim 
“ (2) A deep blue colour when mixed with sulphurie acid and vapour 
of nitrie acid blown over it. j 
“ (3) A deep purplish-red or damson colour with bromine water, 
“Comparing these results with those obtained from commercial Natal 
aloes, we find that they agree perfectly except in the matter of the 
o 
* This plant, we are informed by Mr. Watson, was formerly thought 
to grow in Socotra, and [supposed] to yield Succotrine aloes, but he 
says it is undoubtedly a South African species, and is not the source of | 
the Suceotrine aloes of cominerce 
any better results with Aloe chinensis, or with A. arborescens, var. 
Srutescens, : 
“3. That the aloes at present sold in commerce 
d i LI . 
“4. "That the hepatie aloes of commerce is probably obtained from 
loe Perryi, 
investigations, to Mr. Watson for the information he so kindly gave us 
concerning the Cape species, which he has seen growing in their native 
country, and to Mr. E. M. Holmes for the many suggestions he has so 
freely given us in the course of our experiments," zur p 
It seemed worth while making an attempt to ascertain the identity of 
the plant actually use in Natal. inqui w 
n inquiry was therefore addressed t 20 : 
Mr. J. Medley Wood, A.L.S., the Curator of Natal Botanic Gardens. = 
He very obligingly promised to look into the matter. PUT 
* 
Curator, BOTANIC GARDENS, DURBAN, to ROYAL Garpens, Kew, iL 
| in consequence have - 
I HAVE received yours of January 27th, and in consequence have — 
decided to make my annual trip this year through the pel iine 
esi Aloes is manufactured, that is, if I can bee a bo aede Work, 
there is some doubt, in consequence of the great press of work, 
Transvaal. If not I will take a trip by post cart to the Tr When 
U 63611.  875.—8[90. Wi 1. um A 
