April 1, 1865.] THE TECHNOLOGIST, 



FLOWERS AND PLANTS. 399 



observed also, some very fine specimens in the last Exhibition from 

 Western Australia and New Caledonia. 



Kosewood {Lignum aspalathum), rhodium {Convolvulus scoparius), 

 and cedar-wood (Juniperus virginiana) likewise yield essential oils, but 

 which are little used by perfumers. 



Sassafras, distilled from the Laurus Sassafras, a tree which grows 

 abundantly in North America, is a very useful essence for soap, 011 

 account of its fresh and powerful aroma. 



The radical series is confined to orris-root and vetivert. 



Orris or iris is the rhizome of the Iris Florentina, which is extensively 

 cultivated in Italy, and principally in Tuscany. It exhales, when dry, 

 a delightful violet fragrance, which renders it very useful for scenting 

 toilet, sachet, and tooth powders. "When infused in spirits it loses this 

 violet odour, owing to the resinous matters contained in it, which 

 become dissolved and overpower it ; but it is still sufficiently pleasant 

 to form the basis of many cheap perfumes. 



Vetivert, or khus-khus, is the rhizome of the Anatherum muricatum, 

 which grows wild in India. It forms the basis of the perfume called 

 mousseh'ne, which derived its name from the peculiar odour of Indian 

 muslin which had formerly great repute in Europe, and which was 

 scented with this root by the natives. 



The seminal series includes aniseed {Pimpinella anisum), dill {Anc- 

 thum graveolens), fennel (Anethum fcgniculum), and carraway {Carmn 

 carui), all umbelliferous plants, with aromatic seeds which yield essen- 

 tial oils. The last-named is the most largely used. Musk-seed, 

 obtained from Abelmoschus vioscliatus, belongs also to the same 

 series. 



The balsamy and gummy series comprises balsam of Peru, balsam 

 of Tolu, benzoin, styrax, myrrh, and camphor. With the exception of 

 the last, they are all exudations from various trees : balsam of Peru 

 being obtained from the Myroxylon peruiferum; balsam of Tolu from 

 the M. toluifera ; benzoin (or gum-benjamin) from the Styrax Benzoin; 

 and myrrh from the Balsamodendron myrrha. The four first-named 

 possess a fragrance somewhat similar to vanilla, but less delicate. Myrrh 

 was the most esteemed perfume in ancient times, but tastes must have 

 changed since, for it is now but little in request. Camphor, which 

 is more used in medicine than perfumery, is obtained by boiling the 

 wood of the Laurus Camphora, a tree found principally in China and 

 Japan, and in which the gum exists ready formed. 



The fruity series includes bitter almonds, Tonquin beans, and 

 vanilla. The essential oil of bitter almonds is obtained by distilling 

 the dry cake of the fruit after the fat oil has been pressed out. It 

 contains from 8 to 10 per cent, of prussie acid, which can be removed 

 by re-distilling it over potash. 



Tonquin beans are the seed of the Dipterix odorata, a tree which 

 grows in the West Indies and South America. 



tol. v. u v 



