TREES AND SHRUBS 



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the preparation of elder -flower water, a fluid that is 

 used in the mixinof of medicines, and which is in addition 

 a gentle stimulant. Elderberry wine is a beverage of 

 a not very exciting nature, which politeness sometimes 

 compels us to drink. 



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Fig. I03.-Coiiinioii Elder: Foliage, Inflorescence, and Kiiiit 



The fragrance of the flowers is due to the presence of 

 a nearly S)lid, volatile oir and to some volatile acids. 

 We use about 5 tons of the plant, practically all supplied 

 from Germany, although recently France and England 

 have been tapped. The price has increased from 70s. to 

 120s. a cwt. since the beginning of the War. The flower • 

 should be collected when nearly mature, as the corollr 

 only are used, and these fall off very casdy when the 



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