69, Pea-nut Oil, or Ground-nut Oil, is obtained from the
pea-nut or ground-nut, the fruit of the Arachis hypogaa, a
small low plant or vine indigenous and common in tropical
and sub-tropical North America. The fruit or seed grows upon
the root, and is enclosed, usually two kernels together, in a
grayish-yellow, woody shell or pod. It has a disagreeable
taste when raw, but a pleasant, sweet taste when roasted.
The oil is used for the same purposes as olive-oil, which latter
is sometimes adulterated with it. It is a good lubricant. The
color is light greenish yellow, its gravity o.gi6; it is slightly
soluble in alcohol, and has a barely perceptible odor. It solidi-
fies at about 34" F. (i^C.) without alteration. It is not a
noticeably drying oil, although it thickens a httle with long
exposure to air.
70. Castor Oil is derived from a plant, ruinus, known
from the earliest historic times as a native of India, but which
has been extensively distributed through the warmer parts of
Europe, and is now weil known in America.
