186 ON SOME N.S.W. TAN-SUBSTANCES. 



rhodanthema gave a clear solution under the same circumstances. 

 Analysed 22nd to 29th September 1887. 



For comparison, the following particulars (chiefly in regard to 

 leaves) of other species of Rhus will he found useful : * 



Rhus Coriaria, Linn., (European, Sicilian or Tanning Sumach, 

 called also "Varnish Tree.") The acid fruit is used in Turkey as 

 a condiment. This is the principal Sumach, and is used for tanning 

 light coloured leathers, chiefly morocco and pocket book leather. 

 One and a-half pounds of sumach is required to convert one pound 

 skin into leather — (Anthon). It is also used in dying and calico- 

 printing. By keeping, the tannic acid of sumach is con verted into 

 secondary products, owing to a spontaneous fermentation. 



Tannic Acid. 



Per cent. Authority. 



Sicilian ... ... 16*2 (Davy.) 



„ First Quality 16-5 } TTT , , . , T7 , , , -p.. , 



a a i Q.o ( Wagner, quoted m Watts Diet. 



... ' ... 24-27 (Dept. of Agric. U.S.A. 

 The following analyses of Sicilian Sumach collected at different 

 dates were made by Prof. N. Macagno, Director of the Agricultural 

 Station of Palermo, Sicily. 



Tannic acid in leaves. 

 Upper. 



1879 24-93 



„ 24-92 



„ 25-82 



„ 24-75 



„ 23-80 



21-91 



These results show that leaves of sumach of the upper extremities 

 of the stalk are always richer in tannic acid than those of the 

 base. Yet in the interest of cultivators, the collection of the crop 

 should be delayed as long as possible, because the diminution of 

 tannin in the leaves will be abundantly compensated for by the 

 quantity of the product. 



Rltus glabra, Linn. (Smooth or White Sumach) and 7?. canadense 

 are used largely in the United States, nearly all the morocco 

 manufacturers mixing it with an equal quantity of Sicilian sumach 

 to form the tanning liquor, which is forced through the goat-skins 

 by hydrostatic pressure (Davis). 



June 



10, 



?) 



16, 



27, 



July, 14, 

 „ 29, 

 August 11 



jower. 



Average. 



17-45 



21-19 



16-11 



20-51 



15-27 



20-54 



10-81 



17-78 



9-44 



16-62 



8-77 



15-34 



* To colonists who may seriously consider the question of cultivating 

 indigenous and other species of Rhus for Sumach, the "Report on the 

 Cultivation of Sumac in Sicily and its preparation for market in Europe 

 and the United States," (Department of Agriculture, Special Report No. 

 26), Washington, 1880, 32 pp. 8 plates, will be found invaluable. From 

 this source much of the following information has been obtained. 





