660 FIELD AND GARDEN PRODUCTS 



The pomace, or cake, remaining after the extraction of the oil 

 from the kernels, is valuable as a fertilizer, and has also been used 

 for the manufacture of an illuminating gas; it is also sometimes 

 used as fuel. New uses are constantly being found for both the oil 

 and the pomace, so that the market is ever ready to absorb what- 

 ever quantities of these products may be offered. 



Conclusion. The castor bean is a crop of some promise for 

 cultivation by men of small means and although the yields per 

 acre are moderate, perhaps seldom exceeding $75 to $80 gross in- 

 come per annum and sometimes not exceeding half of that, the castor 

 bean is a readily salable article, if not in the local markets, always 

 in those of San Francisco, or other large markets. 



It is a crop which up to the present time has very few enemies 

 in this country, and a particular advantage is that the product does 

 not readily -deteriorate if properly cared for after harvesting. With 

 average yields of from two thousand to three thousand pounds per 

 acre, and with a crop which does not require replanting, except 

 after a period of from five to seven years, the outlook is a very 

 promising one. 



While the cultivation of this crop is not one which would pay 

 investments of large amounts of capital, yet it seems to be well 

 suited to small land holders, who can use their own labor, or that 

 of their families, and do not have to employ additional help.- 

 (Hawaii E. S. B. 2; Okla. E. S. B. 54.) 



CANAIGRE. 



Canaigre (Rwmex hymenosepalus) is a plant characterized by 

 the high percentage of tannic acid contained in its roots. The 

 leaves are said to have been used to some extent by the Indians as 

 food, while the roots were used by them as medicine, and in a crude 

 way for tanning hides and skins. The roots are at present being 

 used in the preparation of tannic acid, dyes, and mordants, but 

 their most important use is as a tanning agent. A tanning is any 

 substance that will unite with the gelatin of raw hides and convert 

 the dried skin into an insoluble, imputrescible, tough and flexible 

 condition called leather. 



Canaigre is a species of yellow dock, sometimes called wild 

 rhubarb. It has large, smooth, dark green leaves. In the spring 

 an erect succulent flower stem appears, which is two feet high or 

 less. Where the plant has grown without water, the stem seldom 

 appears. Where it is given water in abundance, it is frequently 

 more than two feet high. 



The roots form themselves in clusters around the parent root. 

 When young they somewhat resemble sweet potatoes or dahlia 

 tubers, but as they grow older they are much harder and darker in 

 color. Thin transverse sections of the roots show concentric rings 

 which are said to be annual rings of growth. The number of rings 

 will give approximately, if not accurately, the age of the root. Its 

 drought Desisting power and its adaptation to long and compara- 

 tively mild winters, make the semi-arid southwest, its natural home. 



