314 [Assembly 



manual exercise upon the subject. From the limited trials made, 

 however, both in the culture of the sun-flower, and the homemade 

 extraction of the oil, and the results in its use for domestic purposes, 

 I am compelled to believe, that oil extracted is equal if not superior 

 to any now in use; answering the place of Olive oil, for the table, 

 and spermaceti, and all other kinds now in general use, for all the 

 requirements of painting, lighting of lamps, &c., &c. 



This may appear a very broad assertion to those who have for the 

 first time had the subject brought to view, and to others who have 

 fallen into the received opinion, that the oils now in use are the best, 

 because they answer the immediate wants and requirements; not re- 

 flecting that it takes two or more of these specific kinds and quali- 

 ties of oil, to supply the necessary wants and uses, — when this oil, 

 if properly cultivated and prepared will answer, if not take the place 

 of all others put together. 



A grand desideratum, and which ought not to be lost sight of, is, 

 that for lamps, it burns as long, gives a clear and more brilliant 

 light, exhales no disagreeable or unhealthy odor, no apparent smoke 

 evaporates from the wicks, and consequently leaves none of those 

 dark and unsightly features of soot attendant upon even our finest 

 oils now in use, all of which, without the aid of philosophy, is ap- 

 parent to even the most careless observer, to be detrimental to the 

 health of families thus using them, and repugnant to the olfactory 

 nerves. 



The remarks hastily put to paper, are intended to draw from you 

 any information or experience you may be possessed of, in regard to 

 the sun-flower plant, for the purposes here mentioned, or as food for 

 stock or poultry; and you will confer a singular favor upon me, by 

 letting me hear from you on the subject as soon as convenient. 



With respect, 



xN. A. ADAMS. 



May 16, 1848. 

 ' JuDOE Van Wyck, in the Chair. Henry Meigs, Secretary, 



Mr. Meigs read a communication from J. R. Stafford, Esq, ot 

 Cleveland, Ohio, on the subject of his patent method of drying and 



