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In Corsica, according to Robert Gattef osse x ), the cultivation of geranium 

 is still much neglected. Pelargonium odoratissimum, which grows in the 

 Northern part of the island, might also be successfully planted in other 

 equally favourably situated districts of Corsica. During the months of 

 May, August and October, the industrious agricultural population of 

 several communes in the peninsula of Cape Corso occupy themselves in 

 harvesting and distilling odoriferous plants. 



This cultivation was introduced into Corsica from Provence about half 

 a century ago, and spread rapidly throughout the communes of Erbalunga, 

 Sisco, and Brando. It is rather costly, as it is necessary to till the soil 

 carefully twice a year, in March and July, and proper watering is very 

 troublesome. The plants are propagated in March from cuttings, and are 

 cut off about two inches above the ground at harvest-time. The first crop 

 yields one kilo oil for 800 kilos of green plants; the second crop is the 

 more romunerative, 600 kilos plants yielding 1 kilo oil, the third crop 

 produces but little, either of raw material or of oil. In respect of quality 

 the oil compares with the Spanish variety and with that from the district 

 of Grasse. 



The annual output amounts to 600 or 700 kilos oil ; it has been known 

 to exceed 1300 kilos, but the advance in wages and the low offers made 

 by the brokers have discouraged the planters. In the parish of Erba- 

 lunga over 200 hectares are under geranium-cultivation, the average crop 

 being 5000 kilos of green plants per hectare. 



Climate, standing and soil appear to unite in making the plants 

 specially vigorous and in other producing centres the cuttings from the 

 Cape Corso Peninsula are much esteemed for planting. This year over 

 350 000 cuttings were sold at 15 fr. per 1000. 



Ginger Oil. We have been able to secure the few parcels of ginger 

 suitable for distilling purposes which have been brought to the market 

 in the course of the last few months, and have consequently been in a 

 position to supply the current requirements. It has, however, been necessary 

 on several occasions to increase the prices, especially because the 

 yield of various parcels left very much to be desired. According to the 

 present reports, the position of ginger remains firm, and we are therefore 

 unable to prognosticate any reduction in prices for some time to come. 



Gingergrass Oil. Regular supplies have reached us from a reliable 

 source, and in most cases we have therefore been able to satisfy the 

 demand. It is well-known that as regards quality our requirements are 

 exceedingly exacting, and unfortunately most parcels which are placed 

 upon the market fall short of our standard. Unless the market should 

 be influenced by unforeseen occurrences, we believe that we shall be able 

 to hold out the prospect of somewhat lower prices during the winter-months. 



x ) Parfum. moderne 3 (1910), 73. 



