ANALYSIS OF THE ROOT OF RHEUM AUSTRALE. 291 
Recapitulation. It will be seen from an examination of 
this table, that the analysis of the indigenous rhubarb, has 
some analogies with that of the exotic articles, especially if the 
fact be taken into consideration, of the little developement at- 
tained by the vegetable in the first attempts at cultivation, 
which have been made in a soil and climate as yet little con- 
genial to it. By an examination also of the analyses of 
MM. Henry, sen. and Guibourt, and by recollecting the great 
proportion of amidon and oxalate of lime, which in the pro- 
cess of vegetation have taken the place of the larger part of 
the pectic acid, found by myself, we arrive at a similar ap- 
proximation; furthermore, the relation between the amount of 
the bitter matter, the tannin, the supermalate of lime &c. and 
the corresponding substances in the analysis alluded to, is 
also extremely close. We have then reason to hope, that the 
cultivation of the Rheum australe will be attended with good 
results from new attempts and well directed attention. Its 
naturalization ought to become advantageous, as well in a me- 
dical, as in an economical point of view, since it is ascertained 
that, in England and India, the colouring matter of the rhubarb 
root is used in dyeing. We much desire that M. Merat, and 
others who are employed in the effort to introduce exotic 
vegetables would turn their attention to this important plant. 
