MINT. 221 



(C10H14 0)o H^ S. This compound decomposed by ammonia 

 yields carvol, ^vhich has an odour resembling spearmint, although 

 distinct from it. AVith the exception of the odour this carvol 

 appears to be identical with that from the oils of carraway, dill 

 and nutmeg. Oil of peppermint (after fractionating off the light 

 portion) does not precipitate menthol when treated with alcoholic 

 ammonium sulphide. After distilling off the second fraction from 

 oil of spearmint, consisting largely of carvol, there remains in the 

 still (whether the operation has been conducted by direct heat or 

 by forcing steam through the oil), a thick dark brown resinous 

 substance, almost free from the odour of spearmint. It is thought 

 probable that a portion of this resin is a natural constituent of 

 both spearmint and peppermint oils, and that the quantity is 

 increased during the process of distillation by partial decomposition 

 of the oil. 



Bergamot Mint, Mentha odomta, Sole, Menth. Brit., t. 9; 

 Sowerby, Eng. Bot., t. 1025 ; Smith, in Trans. Linn. Soc, v., p. 192. 

 Syn. M. adspersa, Willd. Spec, iii., p. 79 ; M. citrcda, Ehrhart, 

 Beitrage sur naturkunde, vii., p. 150. This has long been known 

 to gardeners as " orange," or " bergamot " mint. The herb often 

 assumes a purple colour. The corolla is handsome, and more of a 

 reddish hue than in most mints. As a rule it is perfectly destitute 

 of hairs. The smoothness of its flower-stalks and calyx are 

 constant in everv soil and situation. It is a native of Encjland and 

 is frequently found in watery places in Cheshire, in North Wales, 

 and near Bedford. Its perfume has been likened to that of 

 Bergamot, or of Monarda didyma. 



Monarda is a genus of herbaceous plants belonging to the 

 labiate order and distinguished by their ringent corolla, the upper 

 lip of which is very narrow and conceals the two anthers. The 

 leaves are downy and variously notched, and the flowers, which 

 grow in whorls and heads, are made conspicuous by their coloured 

 bractes. All species are natives of Xorth America. 



M. didyma, called "Oswego Tea" from the use sometimes 

 made of its leaves in America, bears bright scarlet flowers and 

 bractes ; its leaves emit a very grateful, refreshing odour somewhat 

 resembling a mixture of " Bergamot Mint " and some species of 



