246 
ON KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 
ing substance was precipitated, leaving the liquid of a light 
yellow color, on adding ammonia to this, after separating it 
from the precipitate, the color was changed to brown ; an 
acid restored the original tint. The fresh leaves were sub- 
jected to distillation in contact with water > the product in 
the receiver had a milky appearance and possessed the 
smell of the plant in a high degree. A volatile oil condensed 
in the neck of the retort in minute drops, which were 
easily increased in size by applying a lamp so as to distill 
it from one part of the tube to another. It possessed a dis- 
agreeable narcotic smell, nauseous taste, and was without 
color. The decoction remaining in the retort did not ex- 
hibit the sensible properties of the plant in so great a degree 
as the distilled fluid. The former on being allowed to cool 
deposited extractive matter. The incinerated plant also 
yielded lime and potash. The constituents are hence in- 
ferred to be, . 
Gum, 
Tannin, 
Chlorophylle, 
A yellow coloring matter, 
Extractive matter, 
Lime, 
Potassa. 
I was unsuccessful in all attempts at obtaining an organic 
alkali. 
•Alexandria, D. C. 
A volatile 
properties are 
