A NEW TANNING MATERIAL.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 2176, 20 June 1890, Page 1

A NEW TANNING MATERIAL.

Mr Charles Moore of the Botanic Gardens writes :— By the last English mail I received a communication from the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, London, to the effect that much attention was being directed to the cultivation of a plant which yields to a large degree material for tanning, and. which has the inestimable value of being an annual. If only one half be true that is averred about this comparatively new discovery as regards its tanning properties, it will prove an important aquisition to this_ colony, and indeed to the whole of Australia. The plant in question, indigenous to America, is a species of Eumex, a genus better known to the general reader as " clock " and sorrel, troublesome weeds in all temperate climates. This dock is called " Canaigre " in Texas, " Gougra " by the Mexicans and Indians, and " "Wild pie plant ", in California and Utah. It grows best in light sandy soil, and endures drought without injury. An Arizona paper says that its practical use has proved it to possess tanning qualities about three times as great as the common oak bark, and in all essentials superior to it for the manufacture of leather. The chemical analysis of the roots, made by various recognised authorities, proves that it yields from 21 to 37 per cent of tannin, according to the soil and situation in which it is grown, and that it resembles Gambier in its action more than any other tanning substance. In many respects this root is similar to rhubarb, and may probably be used in- its stead where a more astringent medicine is required. It has long been known to botanists os Buinex hyinenosepalus, but its great economic properties have not apparently been discovered until within the last fewyears. lam quite certain, from all 1 have been able to learn about the character and habits of this plant, that it can be cultivated with success in light soils in warm situations in this colony. Its seed may in all probability be obtained from any American seedsman. I have, therefore, thought it advisable to at once bring this most valuable plant under the notice of the public, that those interested in this subject may take prompt means to procure a supply of seeds from America, and if this be done, they would probably arrive here in sufficient time to sow for a crop next summer. It may be well to add that some roots of this plant sent from the Royal Gardens, Kew, to the Tanners' Laboratory, Bristol, in March last, for analysis, gave the following results : — Tannin, 3748; organic matter, ll"20 ; water, 12*17 ; ash, 0-20 ; woody fibre, 305.— 'Sydney Mail.'