Prof. Norton on the Analysis of the Oat. 223 
practical, connected with its growth and cultivation. The en- 
couragement of such researches is well calculated to retain for 
the Society its high position, and if possible, to increase the esti- 
mation in which it is held, as the parent of the Agricultural So- 
cieties in the British Islands. 
In the laboratory of the Agricultural Chemistry Association, I 
have enjoyed great advantages for the prosecution of such an 
investigation. he kindness of Professor Johnston afforded me 
every facility, while his great experience pointed out the proper 
method for the prosecution of my inquiries. 
In the detail of my results I have endeavored so to arrange 
them as to present a distinct connected view of the whole inves- 
tigation, such as is necessary for its full appreciation. I have 
commenced with that which naturally comes first, the young 
plant, and have followed it through its successive stages of 
growth and development to maturity. This part of the sub- 
completed, I proceed to the consideration of the full-grown 
nant, 
I. Or tue Unriprre Puanrt. 
Through the kindness of my friend Mr. J. Girdwood of Feather- 
hall, Corstorphine, I was enabled to obtain during the past sea- 
son, at intervals of a week, specimens of the young corn, cut al- 
ways from the same spot in the field, and forwarded so as to reach 
me in a peffectly fresh condition. > 
I must here express my very great obligations to Mr. Fromberg, 
A. Of the Quantity of Ash yielded by the several parts of the 
Unripe Plant. 
As soon as the plants were received, portions of the several 
parts were weighed for the purpose of determining the water, and 
dried at a temperature not exceeding 212° Fahrenheit, until their 
weight became constant. At least three separate portions of each 
part were taken to provide for accidents, and to secure at least 
two concurring determinations. : 
- While the above were drying, others were weighed from which 
to determine the ash. The burning was always effected in plati- 
num vessels over argand gas-burners, and at a dull red heat. 
The first specimens of the young plant arrived on the 4th of 
June, and the succession at weekly intervals was uninterrupted 
until the cutting of the crop on the 3d of September. The oats 
