Tests of liquid limit, viscosity and wet strength all indicated that the bentonite could be improved by adding controlled amounts of sodiumccarbonate. Laboratory tests showed that, for optimum activation, equivalent weights of sodium carbonate or of sodium pyrophosphate could be used. The activated material produced fewer scabs and required no additions of rebonding bentonite. It is concluded that, if a sample of western bentonite can be activated, it is advantageous to do so.