Peppermint Oil, American. Our New York branch states that from 

 the time of its last October report up to the present, the peppermint 

 market has presented some very interesting features. 



The start was made in August with an upward tendency, reflected by 

 the destruction as reported of the plants on about 2000 acres through a 

 plague of worms. It remains questionable whether the plague caused any 

 shortage at all, but fact is the report put the holders in a strong position, 

 of which they took advantage, prices reaching above $ 2.— in the West, 

 and scarcely giving the dealer any time to provide stock. 



During the latter part of October and well into November, dealers 

 had secured fair supplies by paying to the distillers prices considered 

 extremely high. 



Subsequently, and after they had sold part of the stock, through some 

 unaccountable reason, prices began to sag again in December. Many 

 dealers in consequence suffered quite a loss. 



Following the taking of inventory, a depletion in the stock of oils 

 became apparent, and with it inquiries from the West as well as the East 

 developed the fact that there were no longer any cheap lots of oil in the 

 market. The still holders realised the strength of their position, and made 

 up their minds to profit thereby. Thus the prices in February reached 

 the three dollar mark, with no apparent reason for believing that there 

 will be a sag of any importance before the 1911 crop is in evidence. 



At the present time, of course, it is too early to base with any degree 

 of accuracy the prospective report as to the coming crop, such will have 

 to be deferred till later on. 



The large amount of new acreage of 1910 guarantees an abundance 

 of roots which entered the winter in very good shape, being covered with 

 snow the first half of the season, though in the latter part exposed to much 

 freezing and thawing. This condition a few years ago would have given 

 the market quite a scare, but as there are so many roots ploughed under 

 and taken care of in many different ways, we are fairly well assured that 

 they will be ample. 



On account of the extremely high prices which prevail now, and no 

 doubt will prevail during planting time, there is every reason to look for 

 an extra large output of mint this spring. 



We feel also quite sure that the coming crop of oil will equal the 

 best that ever has been produced in the West, the growers being confident 

 that they will receive a fair price for their product in the fall. 



Our two special brands "F. B." and "F. S. £j Co.'' continue to enjoy 

 their accustomed ready sale, and it affords us special satisfaction to place 

 it on record here that owing to the timely hint we gave of the impending 

 advance in our list-prices, we succeeded in enabling our principal customers 

 to cover their requirements at advantageous rates for a long time ahead. 

 It is of course too early as yet to forecast the development of the market 



