WEIGHT per measured bushel is a widely used index of physical quality of grain1. In applying this measure of quality to varieties of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) grown on dry land in southern Alberta during 1957–60, there was a correlation of r = − 0.68 (P < 0.01) between oil percentage and bushel weight. The weight per measured bushel of varieties varied from 36.5 to 49.5 lb., whereas the oil content varied from 37.9 to 25.0 per cent, respectively. Since this relationship is contrary to that generally expected, some of the physical and chemical properties of the seed were investigated. Seed from fourteen varieties grown at three locations were used for this purpose.