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Influence of the Moon on the Sap of Trees , tyc. [Sei*. 
that the wood cutters fell the trees during the moon s dark peiiod, and di ag it in, 
or remain at home when the moon’s influence is dreaded, and that they choose the 
season when the tree is most void of sap. 
Let us not be blinded by the splendour of our present knowledge, but institute 
practical experiments to prove whether or not the natives have reason in their method. 
It may be, that the sap of a tree has its springs and neaps, as much influenced 
(proportionately) as the water of the ocean: and this may lead those who have 
not experienced the baneful effects of the moon on a feverish temperament to 
acquiesce in the actuality of the moon’s influence on all fluids. 
The trial by the barometer is not an appropriate trial, because metals art 
affected differently from fluids and wood— but place a joint of meat within the in- 
fluence of the moon at full, and observe how quick will be the progress of putrefac- 
tion, compared to what would occur to a similar joint exposed daring a dark night. 
Philosophers have calculated, that the attracting influence of the moon actm: 
on the tides of an ocean is about four times greater than that produced by the son. 
If the moon so influences one fluid, may it not act on the human blood, the sap o 
trees, or any other fluid, proportionately ? — at all events, it may perhaps be consi 
dered, that the subject is deserving of notice. 
Aurungabad, April 6, 1831. 
P. S. — Might not an essential oil or concentrated cake of an astringent propertj 
(fit for tanning leather) be extracted from the extensive Baubul, Neein, arid d r 
forests of Hindoostan and the Deckan, at a rate, and of a kind to admit of iti 
exportation to Europe for tanning leather, and with a view to extend the presen inf 
influence of the astringent principle to timber (after it is felled) by the appl* c,ltl ° n 
of an essential oil extracted from the bark ? , 
The trees cut down in the Indian forests, whilst procuring the extract of the « r ’> 
might be converted into charcoal, or preserved for use as timber, and it might pt 
haps be possible to make Tar from it. ^ 
In the event of the feasibleness of the project being recognized, any P ers ®” grIi> 
might attempt it, would of course ascertain all particulars regarding acts 
ament, prohibiting the importation or use of tanning ingredients, or duties > - 
Note by the Editor— Regarding the interesting subject of our corre8 ^J ^ 
communication, we have also received the following letter. We hope 
of our friends will be stimulated to undertake a series of experiments to 
the actual fact of the moon’s influence on the sap, before proceeding to spe 
ou its cause, and mode of operation. 
To the Editor of the Gleanings in Science. 
Sir, t | ori| that 
Perhaps many of your readers are not aware that the natives have a no 
bamboos and babool trees cut down during the light half of the moon 
subject to be weevil eaten than those cut down during the dark half. 1 0 ^i 
so or not, I am not capable from experience of giving an opinion ; but the 
be easily ascertained by those who are interested in the sale and purchase o ^ (f ;, 
and the investigation might lead to some useful experiments, which wou c u 
be the means of preventing the timber in our houses from going so rapi 03t f' 
As a small spark can produce a conflagration by contact with combus 
rials, it may not perhaps be too much to expect that this trifling hint> 
by the scientific, may be of use to the world in general. 
I remain, your’s obedient^ ^ 
Upper Provinces, 19th July, 1831. 
