27 



Weight of seeds, kernels, and shells. 



From the above data it will be seen that the total weight of the 

 seeds is about evenly divided between kernel and shell. Inasmuch as 

 the shell is rather an absorbent material, it is important, in the expres- 

 sion of the oil, that it should be removed so as to avoid the absorption 

 which otherwise would take place. 



The composition of the various parts of the sunflower plant is shown 

 in the following table: 



Composition of tfte various parts of the sunflower plant 



It will be noticed from the above data that the content of ash is very 

 uniformly distributed throughout the different parts of the plant. 

 The leaves appear to contain the greatest percentage while the smallest 

 is found in the shells of the seeds. The percentage of protein is high, 

 as would be expected, in the kernels of the seeds. In the shells of the 

 seeds and in the stalks it is low. The content of oil in the seeds, after 

 the removal of the husks, is very high. 



THE ASH OF THE SUNFLOWER PLANT. 



In order to determine the distribution of the various ash constitu- 

 ents in the several parts of the plant, the ash coming from the seeds, 

 the stalks, the leaves, the seed heads, the husks or chaff, the seed ker- 



