II Nov., Tgi2.] (icrdiiiu)ii C iillivation jar /i-'<xciituil Oil. 



677 



The suhioiiifd tahlt- gives the results :- 



The bone-dust originally contained 23.5 per cent, phosphoric acid, 

 whereas the rock phosphate contained 37.91 per cent. 



The result of the experiment shows the phosphate in bone-dust to be 

 more soluble in soil water than the phosphate in rock phosphate. 



SMALL RURAL INDUSTRIES. 



D.— GERANIUM CULTIVATION FOR ESSENTIAL OIL. 



By JoscpJi Kiiiglif. 



The plant from whicli oil of geranium is obtained is known botanically 

 as the pelargonium. It is a native of South Africa, where many different 

 species are found. It is the intention of the present article to enter into 

 :i description of only two of these, namely, " The African," whose 

 botanical name cannot readily be fixed, and " Pelargonium roseum." 

 Both these varieties were grown at the Dunolly Scent Farm, and their 

 value as essential oil producers has been established by actual experience. 

 " The African " yields a large quantity of oil of a quality suitable for 

 the use of soap-makers and other purposes, and should find a ready sale 

 in this State. 



" Pelargonium roseum," on the other hand, yields an oil of superior 

 quality, but the quantity is so scanty that for practical purposes its 

 cultivation at present need hardly be considered. 



The illustrations show No i as " The African," and No. 2 " Pelar- 

 gonium roseum." 



Soil. 



Geranium will grow in any soil — either clay, loam, or sand. The 

 licher the soil the greater will be the yield. 



The natural situation of the plant is sandy loam, and in many parts 

 It is cultivated on dry sandy hill-sides. The quality of the oil produced 

 under these conditions is of a superior quality, but lately it is considered 

 that when rich bottom land is employed the yield is considerably in- 

 creased ; but the oil is said to be inferior, rank, and somewhat coarse. 

 Irrigation, also, has been employed in many cases, and enormous cuttings 

 obtained. Dry or well-drained soil will answer the purpose ; but the plant 

 will not withstand exoessi\e moisture at the roots. 



Cultivation. 

 The soil, prior to planting, should be deeply stirred — subsoiling is 

 preferable to trenching, as the bottom soil is usually stubborn and stiff to 

 work. If rich low-lying land is chosen, then the drainage should be 

 attended to. 



