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CHAPTER XI. 



OILS, OIL-SEEDS, ETC. 



The oleaginous products of plants may be divided into 

 three distinct divisions : — those which are solid at the ordi- 

 nary temperature of our climate ; those which are liquid ; 

 and those which are liquid and volatile. It is almost im- 

 possible to estimate the value of this class of products, their 

 uses are so numerous and extensive. The African, under 

 the burning tropics, collects a vegetable butter which is of 

 vast importance to railway locomotion ; and the same article 

 enters into the manufacture of soap, the consequent cheap- 

 ness of which has doubtless exercised immense influence 

 upon the sanatory condition of our poorer classes. India 

 sends us another vegetable fat, which also enters into the 

 composition of cheap soap, but is more used for making 



