Variations in the composition of some linolenic‐rich seed oils

The receipt at different times during the past seven years of a large number of specimens of candlenuts, rubber seeds, linseed and hemp seeds has resulted in an accumulation of data which serve to illustrate the possible range of variation in the composition of each of these seed oils. Candlenut oils seem prone to exhibit variations, usually of a minor but occasionally of a major order, in their content of linolenic acid; and it is shown that definite but minor variations occur in the oils from different fruits of the same tree. Rubber seed oils, so far as at present studied, have shown relatively little difference in composition. Linseed oils from seed grown in England or in South Africa have proved satisfactory as regards a high content of linolenic acid. The few specimens of hemp seed oil studied in detail show considerable similarity in composition.