263 
par les pécheurs du Niger qui en utilisent la fibre pour la con- 
fection des cordes et le calfatage de leurs embarcations. 
Le ‘‘Da des Somonos”’ produit approximativement en 
moyenne 700 kilogrammes de semences par tonne de fibres 
séches. L’auteur estime que la production moyenne par 
hectare peut étre évaluée, dans la vallée du Niger, a 700 kilo- 
grammes de fibres séches par 500 kilogrammes de graines. 
[ TRANSLATION. | 
CONTRIBUTION TO.THE STUDY OF THE “DA” OF THE 
SOMONOS (H/B/SCUS CANNABINUS). 
Hibiscus cannabinus, L., is an annual of the N.O. Malvacee, 
cultivated for its fibre in French West Africa. Its interest as 
an oil-yielding plant appears less known, and it would seem 
interesting to give here the results of the investigation made 
by the Chemical, Service of the Jardin colonial of a sample of 
seeds gathered at Koulikoro (Middle Niger) and sent to France 
by Governor Clozel. 
Seeds of tetrahedric form.—Dimensions: Length 5 to 6 mm.; 
width 4 mm.; thickness 2 to 3 mm. Weight of 100 seeds, 
2°46 grams. Percentage proportion of albumen and seed coat: 
albumen, 60°7; seed coat, 39°3. 
The shape of the seeds renders their decortication practically 
impossible. The analysis carried out by M. P. Ammann was 
consequently made on the whole seed. 
Water, per cent. oe a 9°64 
Oil, per cent. .. sie ie ear 20°32 
Crude proteins, per cent. ie sea 2014 
Carbohydrates, per cent. se fut 15°66 
The oil is a drying oil of a clear yellow colour, which 
ought to find an opening in the manufacture of paints, 
varnishes, linoleum, etc. The cake is edible and would form a 
good cattle food. 
The species of “‘Da’”’ here referred to is the ‘‘ Da of the 
Somonos.” This variety is cultivated on the banks of the 
river by the Niger fishermen, who utilize its fibre for the manu- 
facture of lines and for caulking their boats. 
The ‘‘ Da of the Somonos’’ produces approximately an 
average of 700 kilograms of seed per ton of dry fibre. The 
author estimates that the average production per thectare in the 
valley of the Niger may be taken at 700 kilograms of dry 
fibre per 500 kilograms of seed. 
