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strong in the case of the light skins, while the sample of insoling belly was flexible and clear and light in color. However, the synthetic product is not likely t o greatly interest the sole-leather manufacturer while it is the custom t o sell such leather by weight, as the new tannin does not give weight; in fact, i t produces a light tannage, and is, therefore, more likely t o find commercial application in the manufacture of light leathers. But it is said to be useful in the early stages of sole-leather tanning to prevent drawn grain. FUTURE USES OF THE NEW TANNIN It is quite possible, especially when it can be produced more cheaply-the price is stated t o be about .$97 per long ton-that the adoption of Neradol tannage may have t o be seriously considered by those interested in chrome tanning. Meanwhile it is probable t h a t this synthetic material may be uSed in conjunction with both vegetable and chrome tannages, as it is claimed t h a t i t considerably hastens the process, and that, contrary t o the general effect of quick processes, it improves the quality of the leather a t the same time. It is stated that it has been already used on a fairly large scale in the German tanning industry. An advantage of the new tannin is t h a t it can be prepared in a uniform manner, and the material is not subject t o chemical changes. An interesting experiment recently carried out consisted in placing a piece of calf pelt, which was badly discolored, in a solution of the synthetic tannin. After a few minutes the discoloration had completely disappeared, and the pelt was almost white. In about two hours the pelt was struck through with the tannin. The time occupied in tanning the various samples shown by Dr. Stiasny varied from two days t o a few weeks. The combination tannage of Neradol, wood pulp, and vegetable tannin on a stout sheepskin took four days.
IMPORTS OF OLIVE OIL NOT ADULTERATED Following the receipt of several inquiries as to whether a large part of the olive oil imported into the United States is adulterated with cotton-seed oil, the Department of Agriculture has made a special investigation into the state of the olive oil admitted. The government’s interest in the matter is two-fold: first, to protect the people from getting adulterated olive oil; second, t o protect the reputation of olive oil in the interest of olive oil producers in California, Arizona, and other olive-growing sections. Since 1900, the Department, through its various port laboratories, has examined samples from 2 149 importations of olive oil. Of these, only ten were refused entry, and only three of these were refused entry for containing cotton-seed oil. These cotton-seed oil adulterations date back to 1908, when two shipments were found to be adulterated, and 1909, when one shipment was found to be adulterated. Since that time, there has been no shipment which has given evidence of cotton-seed oil adulteration. I n 1910, seven shipments of olive oil were refused admission because adulterated with peanut oil, and since that time there have been no cases discovered of either cottonseed oil or peanut oil adulteration. The addition of cotton-seed oil t o olive oil, the government specialists report, is very easily detected. Indications therefore are that all olive oil admitted t o the country and branded as olive oil has been pure olive oil, and has contained no cotton-seed or peanut oil. Occasionally the government discovers shipments of sardines in which the olive oil contains some cotton-seed oil. The experts point out that it would be illogical for the importer to bring into this country olive oil adulterated with cotton-seed oil, and pay a duty of 50 cents a gallon on the cotton-seed oil that is contained in the mixture. Similarly, nut oils are admitted under the tariff act, and the specialists say that i t would be absurd for an importer to bring from Holland olive oil adulterated with peanut oil, and pay ’ a duty of 50 cents a gallon on the mixture, when he could bring
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them over separately and avoid paying any duty on the a u t oil. U. S. DEPT.O F AGRICULTURE, OFFICE O F INFORMATION
CRISIS IN GERMAN POTASH INDUSTRY Consul Talbot J. Albert, Brunswick, says that all the German commercial newspapers of May 23, 1913.report a serious financial crisis in the potash industry. The funded securities of the leading mining companies of the Potash Syndicate, which had been regarded as gilt-edged and were selling a t high premiums, have fallen below par. The obligations and stocks of other mining companies have fatten, some of them t o more than onehalf of their former quoted value. A number of newly established companies have become insolvent. The cause of this alarming condition of the industry is overproduction. The potash law passed two years ago primarily for putting a n end t o the concessions granted by certain mining companies t o American importers accomplished that object, but has failed t o limit the production of potash. The allowance under the law of sales quotas t o new mining companies entering on the stage of production led t o a rush on the part of old companies t o sink new shafts in order to maintain their quotas and t o the establishment of a great many new mining companies. The consequence has been overproduction and a general collapse of the industry. It will probably take several years t o equalize the supply with the demand for potash. Legislation is now pending to amend the potash law so as to regulate the production, but so far it has been found impracticable t o frame the necessary regulations. POWER FROM WASTE HEAT Consul Walter C. Hamm, Newcastle, England, states that West Hartlepool, which can claim t o be the first municipal authority to produce electricity by means of waste heat, will open its new generating station in the course of two or three weeks. The two turbo-generators, each of 1,500 kilowatts, will be driven by exhaust steam from the furnace-blowing engines of the Seaton Carew Iron Co., adjacent t o whose works the station is built. In return for their exhaust steam, which has hitherto been blowing to waste in the air, the Seaton Carew Iron Co. will receive free from the corporation the supply of electric current they need a t their works. Expenditure on coal will practically be eliminated. The coal bill for the present electricity station is about $20,000 a year, and, as it is anticipated that the consumption of current will largely increase under the cheaper rate now possible, the ultimate saving by the use of waste heat will be very considerable. Should the supply of exhaust steam not be available, either through a breakdown of the blowing engines or through the iron works being idle, a supply of high-pressure steam will be obtainable from the Seaton Carew Iron Co. The total expenditure involved in connection with the new scheme is $188,500,the plant alone having cost $15o,ooo. The old generating station will be maintained as a stand-by, and also as a town sub-station. There the current from the new station will be transformed t o the voltage required for distribution to the town ~~
GERMAN RECORD PRODUCTION OF RAW IRON Vice-Consul General DeWitt C. Poole, Jr., Berlin, writes that the production of raw iron in Germany during May, 1913, surpassed all previous records. The total output amounted t o 1,641,600 metric tons, as compared with 1,587,300 in April, 1913, and 1,492,157 in May, 1912. The various sorts produced during May were: Foundry pig, 309,892 tons; Bessemer, 29,406; Thomas, 1,049,524; steel and spiegel, 207,227; and puddle, 45,551.
