86 The Philippine Journal of Science 



is stored, are included. Well-dried copra does not show this 

 phenomenon of oxidation when stored. 



A distinction is made between the true and the apparent loss 

 in oil when copra molds. 



A determination of the moisture content necessary for the 

 growth of the four common molds — the white, black, brown, and 

 green — has been made, and the loss in oil resulting from their 

 action on copra for definite periods of time has been found. A 

 description of their habits of growth is included. Data are 

 presented which show that a considerable difference exists in 

 the moisture content of the upper and lower layers of the copra 

 and that the upper layer may contain sufficient moisture for 

 mold growth when the moisture content of the general sample 

 is below the moisture requirement for this growth. 



The local copra-drying methods are discussed, and proof is 

 offered of the nonloss of oil when copra is dried in a hot air 

 drier at temperatures ranging from 70° to 100° C. 



A method making use of sulphur dioxide has been investigated, 

 and the results are presented. 



Methods for the improvement of Philippine copra are sug- 

 gested, and the difficulties of making changes in the present 

 methods of marketing are considered. 



