THE ALUMNI JOURNAL 105 



shaking, the mixture immediately acquires a pure green color, ac- 

 cording to whether an insuficiency or excess of benzoyl peroxide has 

 been used. The sensitiveness of the reaction, in a layer of 12—15 

 Mm., is stated to be 1 : 10,000. Although this sensitiveness is inferior 

 to that afforded by Liebermann's reaction, it still possesses valuable 

 advantages, as the very characteristic spectrum is easily observable. 

 Furthermore, the reaction develops at the ordinary temperature and 

 without any self-heating, and hence there is less danger of any by- 

 reaction, or even a foreign reaction occurring. 



OIL AND ALMONDS. 

 Abundant Prospective Yield in Malaga District of Spain. 



Consul Charles M. Caughy, writing from Malaga, under date of 

 x\pril 24, describes the favorable condition of the olive and almond 

 crops in that part of Spain : 



Until April 20 the farmers can tell little of the crop prospects, as 

 up to that time there is always danger of heavy winds and hail- 

 storms. This year, fortunately, those that did occur were of little 

 importance, with the result that the outlook is most favorable. 



The olive-oil yield, which for several seasons has been a disap- 

 pointment, promises to be enormous, so great, in fact, that in some 

 portions of the district the owners say that the amount produced 

 will be of greater value than the land upon which- the olive trees 



grow. 



The price for oil quoted to-day is £49 ($238.46) per ton, but if 

 all anticipations are realized there must be a heavy decline, and 

 importers would do well to buy as they require in just sufficient 

 quantities to cover their sales. 



The Jordan almond crop will be about one-fourth larger than last 

 year, and it is doubtful if the price of £2 4s. ($10.70) per box of 28 

 pounds will be maintained. The Valencia almond crop, upon which 

 there is seldom much speculation, is also reported to be above 

 normal. 



Consul Carl F. Deichman reports from Tamsui that the soil and 

 climate of Formosa have been found so well adapted to the castor 

 bean, which grows wild, that a company has been formed to plant 

 200 acres with it. An oil mill will also be erected. — Daily Consular 

 mid Trade Reports. 



