ANALYSES OF YELLOW DOCK, 
305 
EXAMINATION OF THE YELLOW DOCK (Rumex 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 ....... 
Fibre with a little chlorophyl - 
Albumen ...... 
Casein -. 
Dextrine ...... 
Bitter extract. 
Lignin containing ash 8-053 - 
- none. 
1-755 
0-030 
sp-200 
0-920 
3-570 
9-685 
Dry matter. 
Water - . 
- 16-160 
- 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. 
Silica - 
Earthy phosphates ..... 
Lime. 
Magnesia ....... 
Potash. 
Soda. 
Sodium. 
Chlorine ....... 
Sulphuric acid. 
Organic acid. 
12-400 
3-900 
24-000 
1-633 
0-880 
10-613 
22-880 
3-889 
5-920 
1-477 
8-500 
96-092 S. 
[Agricultural Report — Vol.il] 39 
