200 J. H. MAIDEN. 



Araucaria Cookii, R. Br. 



Dr. Schuchardt of Gorlitz informed me that he had found sugar in 

 the resin of Araucaria Oookii from New Caledonia. (Lr. of 1 1/2/90). 



Araucaria Bulei, F.v.M. 



Prof. E. Heckel has recently published a research on the gum- 

 resin of this New Caledonian species (15). 



Araucaria hrasiliana, A. Rich. 



" The resin of Araucaria hrasiliana exudes from the old trees, 

 especially if the bark has been damaged by beetles, and hardens 

 rapidly in the air. Dull white or dark brown irregular pieces, 

 varying in size from that of a bean to that of a walnut, and elon- 

 gated drops. Has a faint lustre, and a smooth waxy fracture. 

 Smells balsamic, somewhat turpentine-like, and tastes resinous, 

 biting and aromatic, sticks to the teeth. Heated on platinum 

 foil it carbonises without melting completely, evolving an odour of 

 incense. In a flame it takes fire and burns, leaving five per cent. 

 of ash. The resin dissolves to the extent of about two thirds in 

 water and one third in alcohol; ether and chloroform take up only 

 traces of volatile oil, gum, and vegetable albumen, uncrystallizable 

 sugar, and four different resins. From the mixture of resins, 

 freed from volatile oil and substances soluble in water, cold 

 alcohol takes up alpha, beta, and gamma resins, leaving araucaric 

 acid undissolved. The gamma resin is precipitated from the 

 alcoholic solution by acetate of copper, and the beta resin from 

 the filtrate by alcoholic neutral acetate of lead, whilst the alpha 

 resin remains in solution." Further particulars of these bodies 

 are given. (Gmelin, xviii. 19). 



The analysis of the resin of the Chilian species should now be 

 brought up to date, but is of special interest in view of the 

 interest attaching to those from Australian Araucarias. 



Gallitris spp. "Australian Sandarac." 



The clear resin of our Cypress pines (Callitris or Frenela) is a 

 perfect substitute for the sandarac of commerce, used in varnish- 

 making and for other purposes. What the actual demand for 



