ANALYSES OF YELLOW DOCK. 



305 



EXAMINATION OF THE YELLOW DOCK (Bumex crispus). 



This plant, which is regarded as a troublesome weed, has some valuable properties which 

 make it worthy of a passing notice in this place. My assistant, Mr. Salisbury, has given 

 a very full account of its properties and composition in the American Journal of Agriculture 

 and Science, which the reader may consult. 



The plant, as usual, was divided into several parts ; the leaves, seed, stem and root. 



The organic composition of the leaves, when in their mature state, is as follows : 



Starch ...-..-. none. 



Fibre with a little chlorophyl - - - - 1*755 



Albumen - 0-030 



Casein 0-200 



Dextrine - - - - - - - 0-920 



Bitter extract 3*570 



Lignin containing ash 8 * 053 .... 9*685 



Dry matter • - - - - - -16* 160 



Water 83-680 



99*680 S. 

 The petioles contain nearly one per centum of free oxalic acid. 



The ash of the leaves is composed of the following elements : 



Carbonic acid - - - - - - 12*400 



Silica 3-900 



Earthy phosphates 24*000 



Lime .---...- 1*633 



Magnesia - - - - - - - 0*880 



Potash - - - 10-613 



Soda 22-880 



Sodium 3*889 



Chlorine 5*920 



Sulphuric acid 1-477 



Organic acid • - ... . 8-500 



96-092 S. 



[AoRic-JLTtniAL Report — Vol. iiJ 



39 



