478 
Proceedings of Learned Societies. 
by M. Vincent, relative to the means employed in detecting by a 
chemical test, the admixture of Phormium tenax, or New Zealand 
flax, with the hemp and flax of European growth and preparation. 
It appears that the Phormium tenax does not possess certain 
qualities essential for naval cordage, and it was considered impor¬ 
tant to discover the means of detecting the presence of this article. 
M. Vincent has found that if the Phormium tenax be immersed 
in pure nitric acid, its fibres, owing to the presence of some azotic 
substance, take a blood-red tint; which is not the case with the 
hemp and flax admitted for use in the navy. Thus it is very 
easy, by subjecting a rope to the action of nitric acid, to discover 
whether there has been any admixture of Phormium tenax. The 
report of the Committee confirms the statement of M. Vincent. 
— Athenceum. 
End of Voi.. III. 
