Kernel weight, protein content and amino acid composition were determined in 9 grain samples of barley, including 8 covered and 1 naked types. The covered samples were lower in kernel weight and in protein content than the naked type. In all barley samples there are identical patterns of amino acid composition. The naked barley contained more glutamic acid and proline and less of most of other amino acids than covered barley. A comparison with the FAO amino acid pattern indicates the high contents of essential amino acids in covered barley. Nutritionally the proteins of covered barley were better than naked barley.