lOTH June, 1912.] 



Mint Cultivation. 



363 



A 400-gallon still will be sufficient for 20 acres or so. The cost of the 

 still depends on the nature of the material employed, and other such 

 conditions. 



The late Mr. Slater, of Mitcham, Victoria, who was a suc- 

 cessful grower of i)lants for essential oils, and who had con- 

 siderable experience of these in England, carried out his dis- 

 tillation work with the ordinary iron malt tanks — 400 gallons each— 

 which he found to answer the purpose well. A tank was set iin on bricks 

 (roughly) in such a way as to admit of a fire being placed underneath. 

 The whole of the top of this tank was movable, and in it was fitted a cage 

 lined with wire netting to hold the material. This cage was let down into 

 the tank, which was filled with water. The lid had a goose-necked cone 

 to convey the steam and oil to another tank holding the condenser, which 



PERFUME STILL MADE BY DONDEY AND TESTRO. 



was simplv a spiral of tin-lined copper piping. The lid of the first 

 tank was made to screw down tightly on a rubber ring, in order 

 to prevent any escape of steam, except through the condenser. The 

 second tank was open, and contained the condenser only ; and as a stream 

 of water was not available to run into this, a third tank was employed to 

 supply a current of cold water to keep the condenser cool. A steady 

 stream of water was delivered to the bottom of the condensing tank, which, 

 of course, as it heated, rose to the top and found its way to the 

 overflow . 



These simple and inexpensive appliances answered the purpose, but 

 where a more elaborate outfit is desired, many of our coppersmiths can 

 supply it. Messrs. Dondey and Testro. South Melbourne, have a very 

 convenient still, made of the latest pattern, and no doubt will be reasonable 

 in their charges. Their experience in still-making should be a warranty 



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