16 PROGRESS REPORT OF THE FLAX COMMISSIONERS.
readily soluble in alkalies and cold water." Now, I obtained an extract having the same chemical pro-
perties from Swedish filter paper (which is always held to be pure cellulose), by giving it contact with
boiling water for three hours, and this was after well washing the paper first in cold water, so that
anything adherent to it accidentally, which could in any way affect the results, would be removed; all
the water used had been freshly distilled.

Simultaneously with the colouring of the water, bubbles of carbonic acid gas were evolved from
the filter paper; and the same results were observed in the case of the purest flax fibre when thus treated,
while its surfaces acquired a distinct pale brown colour.

The fact then appears that the prolonged contact of boiling water with vegetable fibres effects
chemical changes upon them, whereby they become more or less coloured, and yield portions of extrac-
tive matter to the water employed. It follows, therefore, that the substance extracted by Captain
Hutton from the "pure soaked fibre" is not necessarily a cement at all, but might be, and no doubt is,
in part or wholly, a product of the metamorphosis of the pure fibre itself. Granting, however, for the
moment, that nothing but a cement has been removed in these experiments, I do not clearly see that
the reactions, stated to have followed from the additions of the various chemical agents to the solution
so obtained, establish anything at all in relation to the nature of such cement.

The effects of prolonged contact with hot water by Captain Hutton's own experiments, exercises
such a radical change upon the supposed cement, that it no longer refuses to dissolve in cold water, and
has acquired besides a deep brown colour. Clearly, therefore, the reactions cited as belonging to
and characteristic of the supposed cement, properly refer to some body or bodies chemically distinct.

Taking all this into due consideration, I am compelled to think that as yet Captain Hutton has
neither demonstrated the presence of cement in the flax plant performing the duty he ascribes to it,
nor yet, supposing such a cement to exist, that he has informed us anything more of its properties than
that it is insoluble in cold water and acids.

In reference to the valuable information on the effects of retting the fibre, conveyed to us in this
lecture, Captain Hutton's actual experience shows him that two obstacles exist to prevent the adoption
of this process: 1st, the danger or absolute certainty of the ultimate fibres rotting before the retting
has so far advanced as to produce any useful effect; 2nd, the tendency of the fibres to blacken, and
their refusal to bleach afterwards without seriously weakening them.

As regards the first objection, we all know how important it is to stop the retting at the proper
time, in the case of the common flax plant. Obviously, therefore, the hitting the proper time will be
of equal or more importance in the case of Captain Hutton's flax, which was so thoroughly opened
out before immersion.

Regarding the time which should be allowed for retting, this, too, must be obviously considerably
less with a fibre already almost clean, than when mixed up largely with woody tissues, as in the case of
the Irish flax. Three or four hours however, to which Captain Hutton generally limits himself, which,
for the soaking or retting, is certainly a brief period.

Doubtless many changes have been wrought upon the more insoluble substances present even in
this time, besides the removal of the more soluble ones; but I should prefer Captain Hutton's
maximum time of twelve hours, but it would be very improper to fix any stated time for this operation,
since much will depend upon the quality of the water employed, as also upon its temperature.

As to the next objection, -the discolouration of the fibre, retting certainly has this ten-
dency; but I can scarcely think this an insuperable obstacle. Very possibly some means may be
found for averting this, or for bleaching it afterwards without incurring any serious loss of strength in
the fibre. Experiments with this object in view seem very desirable.

I quite agree with Captain Hutton that the softest running water is the best for the steep, and
that it is a fatal mistake on the part of flax producers to neglect the soaking of their flax in water
after the machining.

(No. 41.)

No. 7.

Dr. HECTOR to the Hon. the COLONIAL SECRETARY.

Flax Commission,
SIR,- Wellington, 29th December, 1870.

I have the honor to forward to you the copy of a letter, with its enclosures, which I have
addressed to Dr. Hooker, C.B., F.R.S., Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, in continuation
of the papers which have already been furnished for His Excellency's information.

I have, &c.,
JAMES HECTOR,
Chairman.

The Hon. the Colonial Secretary.

Enclosure in No. 7.

Dr. HECTOR to Dr. HOOKER, C.B., F.R.S.

(No. 35.)

Flax Commission,
SIR,- Wellington, New Zealand, 27th December, 1870.

A commission, of which I enclose a copy, has been issued by His Excellency the Governor
for the investigation of the New Zealand flax manufacture; and I have been requested to solicit the
favour of your valuable assistance towards obtaining the information mentioned in paragraphs 2nd
(2,3,4).

The manner in which you can be of special service is in the selection of a person competent
to make the required microscopic and chemical examination, and to report thereon, and by procuring for
him such fresh leaves as he may require for the purpose mentioned in these paragraphs. The
samples of prepared fibres will be furnished to the person you select through the Government