40 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 



small growers take their crops to the distillery, and pay a 

 certain rate per ton. The quantity of oil extracted from 

 a ton of lavender varies according to the season, a rather 

 dry and hot summer being the most favourable to an 

 abundant production. From 15 Ibs. to 16 Ibs. is considered 

 a fair average, and in some years it reaches 20 Ibs., but not 

 often. The distilling commences about the 1st of August, 

 and is continued until the end of September or the middle 

 of October, according to the extent of the crop. 



In the propagation of a stock of lavender, and in the 

 management of the plantations after their formation, a 

 very simple course of procedure has been found to be the 

 most satisfactory. Propagation is effected by means of 

 cuttings taken in the autumn, October being considered 

 the most suitable month in which to take them. After 

 the shoots selected for cuttings are separated from the old 

 plants, they are left in small heaps on the ground for six 

 weeks, and are then planted. Rooted slips are, as far as 

 possible, taken advantage of for the increase of stock, and 

 when these can be had they are at once planted in the 

 tield, at a distance of eighteen inches apart each way. 



