| A study was made of the chemical composition of samples of the ribbons taken from the rami stalks at successive stages of growth with the object of determining the percentage oí lignin, cellulose, pectin, pentosans and of some substances not belonging to the cell wall. After an initial decrease, the percentage of ash increased as the plant grew and matured. The maximum (17,5%) was reached when the plant was 105 days old. The percentage of cellulose increased regularly and reached a maximum (38,2%) when the plant was 75 days old. Subsequently there was a decrease as the plant grew older. After an initial increase, the percentage of lignin decreased somewhat and again increased as the plant matured. The maximum (14,5%), however, was observed when the plant... |
