Abstract: A mixture of (1) a cross-linked, aqueous soluble polysaccharide or derivative thereof and (2) an aqueous soluble polysaccharide or derivative having essentially no cross-linking readily dissolves in an aqueous liquid to form a homogeneous solution. For example, a mixture of a cellulose ether, e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lightly cross-linked with a dialdehyde such as glyoxyl and a cellulose ether which has not been cross-linked can be added to an aqueous liquid and readily dissolved without lumping or the like to form a clear, stable solution in the absence of continuous agitation.