File:The Cuba review (1907-1931) (20777931746).jpg

Title: The Cuba review
Identifier: cubareview07muns (find matches)
Year: 1907-1931 (1900s)
Authors: Munson Steamship Line
Subjects: Cuba -- Periodicals
Publisher: New York : Munson Steamship Line
Contributing Library: New York Botanical Garden, LuEsther T. Mertz Library
Digitizing Sponsor: The LuEsther T Mertz Library, the New York Botanical Garden

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THE CUBA REVIEW.
Text Appearing After Image:
The Euphorbia in Cuba—a cactus which grows freely in all parts of the island. The sap from this plant, it has been found, forms a good substitute for rubber. (See article below.) Rubber Substitutes From Cacti. ..A report from U. S. Consul-General William H. Michael, at Calcutta, India, states that an Indian officer was shown a ball of raw substance by a forest of- ficer of one of the native states of India which resembled in appearance gutta- percha or rubber in its raw state. The forest officer said it was from the com- mon cactus, which grows wild in India, known as the Euphorbia.* Acting upon suggestions, about two pounds of the sap from the cactus was procured. It had to be softened in hot water and was then churned. The effect was the same as with milk. The latex was brought to the consistency of putty, which was tough and nonsoluble in water. The putty mass was then kneaded together with sulphur—six parts of the latex to one of chloride of sulphur — and the kneaded mass was allowed to stand 24 hours. The mass was then subjected to heat at 350° F. under pressure in a vulcanizer containing hydrated lime for lYi hours. The experiment demonstrated that as a rubber compound, both in appearance and adhesiveness, it was equal to rubber compounds on the market which are sold at 65 cents per small tin, while *The cactus or plant from which this sap was taken for the experiments is very common in India and is equally common in Cuba. See illustration of plant used as a hedge, for which it is particularly well adapted. the cactus compound could be sold for 8 annas, or 16 cents. The officer says that owing to the cheapness of the com- position it would be most effective as a primary coating for any woodwork ex- posed to dampness. The experiments also demonstrated the fact that coagulation may be secured by mixing the latex with ordinary lime juice. This would be a cheap and easy way of experimenting with the juice of cac- tus found everywhere in Cuba. Should the sap of the Euphorbia prove avail- able for the purpose described it ought to open up a new and valuable industry. Pineapples and Cuban Fruits in the Payne Bill. Tlie last part of article 270, referring to preserved pineapples, says: "Pineapples, preserved in their own juice, not having sugar, spirits, or mo- lasses added thereto, 25 per cent, ad valorem." Of pineapples in bulk, or in their nat- ural state, the law r:ads: "Pineapples in barrels and other pack- ages, eight dollars per thousand." Of citrus fruits, the law reads: "Lemons, one and one-fourth cents per pound; oranges, limes, grape-fruit, shad- docks, or nomelos, one cent per pound."

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