The explosive bodies formed by the nitration of jute have been studied by
Messrs Cross and Bevan. and also by Muehlhaeuer. The former chemists give
jute the formula C_{12}H_{18}O_{9}, and believe that its conversion into a
nitro-compound takes place according to the equation--

C_{12}H_{18}O_{9} + 3HNO_{3} = 3H_{2}O + C_{12}H_{15}O_(6}(NO_{3})_{3}.

This is equivalent to a gain in weight of 44 per cent. for the tri-
nitrate, and 58 per cent. for the tetra-nitrate. The formation of the
tetra-nitrate appears to be the limit of nitration of jute fibre. Messrs
Cross and Bevan say, "In other words, if we represent the ligno-cellulose
molecule by a C_{12} formula, it will contain four hydroxyl (OH) groups,
or two less than cellulose similarly represented." It contains 11.5 per
cent. of nitrogen. The jute nitrates resemble those of cellulose, and are
in all essential points nitrates of ligno-cellulose.

Nitro-jute is used in the composition of the well-known Cooppal Smokeless
Powders. Cross and Bevan are of opinion that there is no very obvious
advantage in the use of lignified textile fibres as raw materials for
explosive nitrates, seeing that a number of raw materials containing
cellulose (chiefly as cotton) can be obtained at from L10 to L25 a ton,
and yield also 150 to 170 per cent. of explosive material when nitrated
(whereas jute only gives 154.4 per cent.), and are in many ways superior
to the products obtained from jute. Nitro-lignin, or nitrated wood, is,
however, largely used in the composition of a good many of the smokeless
powders, such as Schultze's, the Smokeless Powder Co.'s products, and
others.

~The Danger Area.~--That portion of the works that is devoted to the
actual manufacture or mixing of explosive material is generally designated
by the term "danger area," and the buildings erected upon it are spoken of
as "danger buildings." The best material of which to construct these
buildings is of wood, as in the event of an explosion they will offer less
resistance, and will cause much less danger than brick or stone buildings.
When an explosion of nitro-glycerine or dynamite occurs in one of these
buildings, the sides are generally blown out, and the roof is raised some
considerable height, and finally descends upon the blown-out sides. If, on
the other hand, the same explosion had occurred in a strong brick or stone
building, the walls of which would offer a much larger resistance, large
pieces of brickwor