At the instance of the Indian Government the question of the best metliod of 
preparing extracts of tanning agents is being carefully enquired into, with the object of 
rendering available the enormous supply of astringent plants which are abundant in the 
forests of India. 
Much Interest in this matter has been taken by tanners in this country and the 
whole subject promises to be a most important one from a commercial point of view. 
Edible Oils. 
An extensive series of samples of the principal edible oils of India having been 
made under the direction of Dr. Watt, each oil^has been subjected to systematic 
chemical examination and compared with oils of the same type which command a ready 
sale in this country. The composition and chief properties of these oils have now been 
put on record (see Addendum) and many of them are likely to be commercially important. 
Dye-stuffs. 
The principal Indian dye materials are being investigated with the assistance of 
Professor Hummel and Mr. A. G. Perkin, of the Dyeing Department, Yorkshire College, 
Leeds. An account of the dyeing properties of Delplnnium Zahl, has already been 
given whilst the constituents of “ Kamala” have been investigated and a description of 
its adulterants provided, which it is hoped will lead to the export from India of this 
dyeing material in a purer condition. 
Medicinal Plants. 
It is most important that the numerous plants abundant in India and held there in 
high repute as medicinal agents, should be completjply investigated, both as regards their 
principal constituents and their medicinal value. It has been shown from an examination 
of an Indian henbane, Hyoscyamus nmitctts, that this plant contains a valuable alkaloid 
(hyoscyamine) in a form in wdiich it can be more readily isolated than from the other 
plants which are now resorted to for this purpose (see Addendum). 
The constituents of Indian hemp are also being examined with the object of 
ascertaining the cause of, and, if possible, oi providing a remedy for, the rapid deterioration 
in quality which this drug undergoes when stored. 
A number of samples of Indian kino have been examined and reports as to their 
commercial value obtained. Suggestions have been made for the better collection and 
export of the drug to this country. 
India Rubber and Gutta Percha. 
A chemical examination is being made of the constituents of the latices which 
furnish these products and of similar latices, possible substitutes for India rubber and 
gutta percha. A cdiemical examination has been made, and commercial valuation 
obtained of various samples of rubber produced in India, wdth a view to their improvement. 
Minerals. 
A number of samples of mica have been forwarded from Jeypore for the purpose of 
ascertaining their fitness for the various purposes for which mica is industi ially employed. 
The samples were judged to be inferior and the authorities of Jeypore have been provided 
with a complete statement of the quality and character which mica should possess in 
order to. command a satisfactory price in the English market. 
A large number of specimens of limestones, chiefly from Madras, have been submitted 
to examination in order to determine their fitness for use in the smelting of iron. 
CANADA. 
Canadian Honey. 
This honey wms chemically examined and compared with the best honey sold in the 
