14 
REMARKS  ON  GUM  MEZQUITE. 
preparation  of  tar,  by  the  ordinary  formula  for  Tar  Beer,  I  was 
induced  to  try  another  more  expeditious  and  much  less  trouble- 
some and  disagreeable  mode,  than  the  old  plan  of  using  bran,  honey 
and  some  ferment,  and  having,  as  I  think,  entirely  succeeded,  I 
have  been  induced  to  make  the  formula  known  for  the  benefit 
of  others. 
R.  01.  picis  liquidce.  ^ij. 
Magnesias  carb. 
Aquae,  *xiv. 
Syrup  simp.  gij. 
Rub  the  oil  of  tar  with  the  carbonate,  add  a  portion  of  the 
water,  mix  well,  then  add  the  balance,  filter  and  add  the  simple 
syrup.  It  is  now  ready  for  use,  and  may  be  taken  in  the  usual 
dose  of  a  small  wineglassful.  As  thus  made,  it  has  given,  as  far 
as  I  am  aware,  entire  satisfaction,  having  been  in  use  for  several 
years. 
[Note  by  the  Editor.-— The  above  preparation  is  an  elegant  substitute  for 
Tar  Water,  but  can  hardly  be  considered  as  a  correct  substitute  for  tar  beer, 
inasmuch  as  other  substances  besides  those  contained  in  oil  of  tar  are  taken 
up;  the  acetic  acid  present  in  tar  aids  in  the  solution  of  the  kreasote  in  this 
preparation  of  the  beer,  whilst  a  portion  of  alcohol  in  the  latter  adds  ma- 
terially to  the  solvent  action  of  the  menstruum,  if  the  preparation  is  pro- 
perly made  as  described  at  page  110,  vol.  22d,  of  this  Journal.] 
REMARKS  ON  GUM  MEZQUITE — A  VARIETY  OF  GUM  DISCO- 
VERED BY  DR.  GEORGE  G.  SHUMARD,  IN  NORTHERN  TEXAS. 
By  Willliam  Procter,  Jr. 
For  several  months  past  occasional  notices  have  appeared  in 
the  newspapers  of  a  species  of  gum  discovered  in  upper  Texas 
and  New  Mexico  by  Dr.  Shumard,  one  of  Capt.  Marcy's  expedi- 
tion to  the  Indian  country,  sent  by  Government.  The  following 
letter  from  Dr.  Shumard,  accompanying  a  package  of  the  gum, 
will  throw  some  light  on  the  subject : 
Fori  Smith,  Arkansas,  Oct.  24,  1854. 
Dear  Sir, — Along  with  this  I  send  you  a  sample  of  gum  mezquite,  dis- 
covered by  myself  while  upon  our  late  exploration  to  the  head  waters  of 
the  Big  Witchita  and  Brazos  Rivers. 
The  mezquite  tree,  from  which  it  was  obtained,  is  by  far  the  most  abun- 
