— 41 — 



increase as in the American balsam oil, for which reason the difference 

 value is also much greater, while moreover it is positive (about +23°). 

 Gurjun balsam oil yielded exclusively lasvorotatory fractions. The rotation 

 of the first fraction was higher than that of the original oil, after this it 

 decreased with each fraction, so that here also the difference value is 

 positive (+44,4°). Between the ninth and the tenth fraction there was 

 a sudden declension. 



It goes without saying that this difference in the behaviour of the 

 various balsam oils also finds expression in mixtures, thus permitting 

 a conclusion to be drawn as regards any adulteration which may have 

 taken place, of which Cocking gives a few examples. It is necessary to 

 fractionate the oil to be tested in vacuo, as otherwise, as shown by ex- 

 periments, decompositions occur. 



Coriander Oil. For the present the prospects of this article are 

 exceedingly unfavourable, the Russian output this year being said to be 

 almost negligible, and unless Hungary and Moravia should come to the 

 rescue with considerable quantities, — a contingency of which at present 

 there is but little prospect, — it will be necessary to count upon very 

 high prices in the course of the winter. Unfortunately at the time this 

 Report was written further details from the various growing districts were 

 still wanting. 



Costus root Oil. We are unfortunately still unable to resume our 

 deliveries of this oil, the raw material being altogether wanting. All pro- 

 spective offers have failed to lead to results, although we have spared no 

 efforts again to interest our correspondents in India in this drug. The 

 crop is due in October, and offers (if any) are therefore to be expected 

 shortly. 



Cubeb Oil has experienced a considerable advance in prices during 

 the summer months, and is at present quoted at c4t 40 per kilo. Un- 

 fortunately there is but little prospect of any lowering of the quotations, 

 because the operators in the United States are not yet permitting the 

 market to settle down, as they continue to buy up all the arrivals of 

 cubebs at practically any price demanded. The present value of cubeb 

 oil is the highest on record. 



Cypress Oil. In the course of the present summer we have, as 

 usual, worked up a number of truck-loads of cypress herb from Italy, 

 but unfortunately the oil-yield leaves so much to be desired that an in- 

 crease in the prices is inevitable, unless the supplies which are still ex- 

 pected should give better results. We are, however, also distilling con- 

 siderable quantities in our branch factory at Barreme (Basses -Alpes) 1 ) 

 where exquisite green material in any required quantity and from districts 



*) See p. 74. 



