Analyses of Ashes of Plants. 
659 
the same time \\& may state that Mr. Morton considers we have 
given proper weights for his specimens.* 
We think then that an inspection of the preceding table will demon- 
strate the fact, that whilst a great weight per bushel is a certain in- 
dication of great absolute weight, and therefore of superior quality, 
a low weight per bushel does not always prove a sample to be in- 
ferior ; on the contrary, that a specimen having a high weight per 
bushel may frequently be inferior in actual weight — contain, that 
is, less gluten than another of comparatively low weight per bushel. 
We regret that we cannot speak positively as to the specific gra- 
vity or true weight being always the mark of a wheat rich in 
gluten ; — it was and is our intention to set this matter at rest, but 
we have not been enabled to obtain the necessary results for this 
lleport, and it must consequently be deferi-ed till a future number 
of the Journal appears: it is quite possible that the quantity of 
bran may affect the specific gravity of wheat. That the ash is 
not the cause of this deviation, will be seen by inspecting the co- 
lumns of the table. 
The quantity of water in the different parts of the wheat plant 
next requires notice. We have before said that a certain amount 
of water appears to be natural to the grain, straw, and chaff of 
wheat. If, when damp, they are exposed in a moderately warm 
and dry atmosphere, they soon lose their superabundant moisture, 
becoming to all appearance dry, but still retaining a certain and 
very considerable portion of water. This water is not, however, 
essential, although natural to them ; for either of the three may 
by a heat under that of boiling water be perfectly dried without 
apparent injury or alteration of structure. 
The water in the grain varies between the limits of 9*5 and 
13 "5 per cent. : in the greater number of instances it is, however, 
between 10 and 12 per cent. The mean ot all the specimens 
examined (62 in number) is found to be 1 1 • 69 per cent. 
In the straw the quantity of water ranges between 10*5 and 
14*00 per cent. ; the mean on 40 specimens being 1 1 '96. 
The chaff, when dried, loses from 11 to 14 per cent, of water; 
in one case (Spec. 21) it amounted to 16 per cent, the crop having 
been injured by floods. The mean proportion of water in the chaff" 
of wheat taken on 40 specimens is 12*21 per cent. 
It would thus appear that nearly one-eighth part of the whole 
wheat crop consists of water — about 20 tons of which are therefore 
removed by it from a farm of 400 acres. 
* Mr. Morton's specimens have al], with one exception, a high specific 
gravity ; this, taken into account with the excellent crops, of which the 
samples form part, indicates the advantage of high and judicious farming 
both as to quantity and quality of produce. 
