XANTHORRA GA, 
The core of X. preissii has been proposed by Mr. E. A. Mann as a 
commercial source of alcohol. It consists of a somewhat soft cellular 
material bound together by fibrous bundles, the whole being about hard 
enough in large specimens to be called wood: It has also been used 
as a cattle fodder, and an analysis gave 50 per cent. carbohydrates, 
including 10 per cent. reducing sugars, and 16 per cent. non-reducing 
sugars. It appears to be readily fermentable, yielding a clear alcoholic - 
spirit. (See J.S.C.J., 1906, 30th November.) Mr. Earl examined 
X. quadrangulata of South ’ Australia, and obtained 13.3 per cent. of > 
matter (calculated on core dried at 100° C.), soluble in water. The 
presence of glucose or fructose was indicated by the formation of 
osazones, but ultimate analysis indicated not more than .5 per cent: 
of cane sugar. In this case, the alcohol would be due to fermentation 
of some of the other carbohydrate material. ; 
The fibrous part of the core has also been used to make paper. 
A pulp of a satisfactory kind was obtained in South Australia, but 
was difficult to bleach. The bulkiness of the material is a disadvantage 
on account of the large volume of liquor which must be used to com- 
pletely cover it in Ne digester. The Imperial Institute obtained a 
yield of only 23 per cent. of air-dry pulp calculated on the dried core. 
The leaves of X. semiplana, South Australia, did not present much 
prospect of commercial value for paper- making, though the leaf bases 
should be of value, and possess the advantage of requiring no prepara- 
tion before placing in the digester. 
The distillation of the outer part of the trunk has been advocated 
by Mr. H. Rowley, but the products are much like those of ordinary 
wood distillation, consisting of tar, aqueous fluid containing acetic acid, 
methyl alcohol and gas. 
There are numerous other ways in which the resin has been used 
or experimented with. They are not yet of much importance, but the 
articles may be briefly listed as follows:—In making linoleum, sealing 
wax, paints, disinfectants, sizing paper, briquettes (Mr. Crew, of 
Western Australia, uses 1 part resin to 3 parts powdered coal), fire 
lighters, packing material, &e. 
* Mr. Wray proposed the use of the eras aS a source for-gas; but the 
free carbon settled in and choked the pipes. 
It would appear that, speaking generally, for natever purpose it is 
desired to use Grass Tree gum, there is already in use a substance 
which is cheaper, and, in very many cases, better. 
