Conclusions The experiments described above indicate that the seed of the Chinese tallow tree can readily be processed in equipment available in many oil mills. The most promising products are tallow, stillingia oil, and high protein flour. There is also the possibility of utilizing the shell and the fiber. Thus it has been established that the seed has a definite market value. Whether or not Chinese tallow tree culture can be profitable will depend on the cost of raising the trees and harvesting the seeds in this country. This problem is being actively studied by Dr. Potts of Texas A. & M. and others. It has been estimated (12) that 160 trees can be grown per acre which would yield after six years somewhat over 60 pounds of seed per tree or 10,000 pounds per acre. The Chinese tallow tree as a source of valuable seeds should continue to receive serious consideration.

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Summary The optical activity of castor oil and its derivatives has been studied. Pure methyl ricinoleate and methyl acetyl ricinoleate were prepared. The mixed methyl esters and acetylated methyl esters of castor oil were also prepared. By the determination of specific rotation of the pure and technical esters, the percentage of ricinoleate fraction can be deduced. This was calculated to be 93% and 90%, respectively. The esters of castor oil were calculated to contain 91.6% ricinoleate from the chemical hydroxyl value. This was about the average of the two values obtained optically and is believed close to the actual value. A number of castor oils were analyzed by both optical and chemical methods and found to be of nearly constant ricinoleic content. Dehydrated castor oil was found to have a comparative high specific rotation. This was believed due to its estolide content formed during dehydration.

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Conclusions The experiments described above indicate that the seeds from three species of wild perennial gourds,Cucurbita foetidissima, C. digitata, andC. palmata, have a potential value. Drying oils, high protein flour, and chemically purified protein may easily be obtained from the seeds by standard procedures used for other oil seeds. While theC. digitata andC. palmata oils are different than other natural drying oils, their evaluation would place them in the class with linseed oil for general use in protective coatings.C. foetidissima lacks the conjugated triene component so is a somewhat “softer” drying oil, more smilar to soybean. The wild gourds should continue to receive serious consideration as an oil seed crop, particularly for arid and semi‐arid land.