- 86 — 



rotated in the opposite direction and melted at 120°. The fraction with 

 the higher b. p. contained probably one or more sesquiterpenes, but as 

 to this nothing could be ascertained with certainty. Among the constituents 

 of the oil, therefore, we have so far positively identified «-pinene, p-cymene, 

 1-linalool and d-camphor. 



Orris Oil. We have received from our informants the following 

 report on the present condition of the orris root market: — 



Since our last report on Florentine orris root the prices, apart 

 from small fluctuations, have kept to their previous level of about 

 c4i 85. — cif. Hamburg for sorts. Pickings, of which the last price 

 showed a parity of <M 82. — , are almost entirely wanting at present, 

 because this article has been particularly sought for owing to its 

 lower price. It is remarkable that many buyers are guided by the 

 price only, although there is no doubt that the greater yield obtained 

 from sorts justifies a considerable difference in price between this 

 material and pickings. The last crop, which at the time we esti- 

 mated to yield a maximum of 600 tons, has finally yielded 650, because 

 subsequently, encouraged by the good market prices, the less valuable 

 root was also collected. 



Of this quantity of about 650 tons 



the exports from the beginning of 

 September 1910 to the end of Feb- 

 ruary 1911 amounted to . . . . „ 360 „ 

 leaving an available stock on 28 th Feb- 

 ruary 1911 of about 290 tons. 



Owing to the numerous orders, however, which have come in lately — 

 especially from France and America — and to negotiations which 

 are now pending, this quantity will quite shortly undergo a further 

 considerable diminution. The stocks therefore are very small, and 

 if the demand should continue, it is probable that they will be 

 entirely liquidated by the arrival (if not before) of the next crop, 

 which will be ready for shipment in September/October. As regards 

 prospects of the new crop, it is as yet too early to form any opinion. 

 Experience shows that it is extremely easy to make mistakes in 

 estimating crops, even on the eve of the harvest time. In view, 

 however, of the fact that in recent years all the available root has 

 been collected and also that under the influence of the present 

 favourable market-prices the fields are more carefully attended 

 to than was the case during the period of low prices, it may fairly 

 be expected that under normal conditions of development - the 

 next crop will about equal that of 1910. 



The last eight crops resulted as follows: — 



1903 750 tons 



1904 670 „ 



1905 850 „ 



1906 800 „ 



1907 ..... 500 „ 

 1908 500 „ 



1909 ..... 500 „ 



1910 . . . . . 650 „ 



Total 5220 tons, 

 or an average per year of about 650 tons. 



