BY FR>JSrK SMITH, B.SC , F.l.C. 59 



The Commercial Value of the Oil. 



It is interesting to note that Callophyllum kernels 

 are quoted by the Imperial Institute as worth £16 per 

 ton, basing the vahiation on an oil content of 71 per cent.^ 

 the kernels being notably drier than those examined in 

 the ]>resent instance. The oil is undoubtedly, from its 

 non-drying property, best adapted for soap-making pur- 

 poses. Its bitter taste is detrimental to its edible property. 

 It is stated to be used as a burning oil by natives in India. 

 Examination of a press-cake containing 15 per cent of oil 

 showed it to contain .32 per cent P2'0.-, .68 per cent 

 K2O, 1.40 per cent N. Its manurial and nutritive value 

 is, therefore, low. 



Summary. 



(1) Queensland Callophyllum inophyllum kernels are 

 rich in a non-drying oil closely agreeing in properties with 

 the oil described elsewhere. 



(2) The oil is associated with a resino-tannol. 



(3) It consists of olein. stearin and palmitin, as stated 

 by another investigator, and a considerable proportion 

 -of free fattv acid. 



III.— THE OIL OF THE SEED OF HERNANDIA 

 BIVALVIS (Gtease Nut.) 



Hbrnandia bivalvis (N. O. Laurinae) is a fair sized 

 tree, evergreen and with a spreading head. It occurs 

 widely distributed in the scrulis of Southern Queensland, 

 though nowhere abundantly. 



Mr. C. T. White supplies the following description 

 of the fruit which matures in quantity in summer : — 



'' Fruit enclosed in an involucle which is nearly two 

 inches broad, much inflated, scarlet in colour, fleshy when 

 fresh, almost membraneous and distinctly verticulate when 

 dry ; divided at the base into two valves. Fruit black, 

 about 10 ribbed, with a small terminal umbo. Seed hard." 



