— 65 — 



At the end of February 1911 there was available . . 290 tons 

 of which up to the present has been exported . . . . . 200 „ 

 leaving a stock of 90 tons. 



Of this residue, however, a considerable part is required to cover 

 previous sales for delivery. It is clear from the appearance of that 

 portion of the new crop which has fo far been brought to market, 

 that it has suffered from the great drought. It is neither of such good 

 appearance nor so compact as last year's. The total output of the 

 crop is estimated at from 600 to 700 tons. If the prices should rise 

 it is highly probable that the two-year old roots will also be collected. 

 Crop estimates, however, especially in an article like orris root, the 

 cultivation of which is distributed over innumerable small gardens, are 

 difficult, and it is only when everything has been gathered that even 

 approximately accurate data can be collected. 



At the first orris root fair, which was recently held, holders asked 

 a price equal to 83 tM per 100 kilos cif. Hamburg, but this did not 

 lead to business, because the buyers would not exceed the parity of 

 80 c//, and as the holders were not disposed to give way, no business 

 was transacted. Privately, however, a few sales were made outside 

 the market at the basis of c4l 80 cif. Hamburg. It is difficult to foresee 

 what course the prices will take in the near future, and much will 

 depend upon the attitude of foreign buyers. In an article so sensitive 

 as orris, and in view of the optimistic tendency of the dealers, a very 

 slight cause is usually sufficient to drive prices upwards. 



According to the quantity available for the coming season, which 

 in all probability will be moderate, it is scarcely probable that lower 

 prices can be hoped for. The annual exports of the last 9 years have 

 been as follows: — r 



From September 1902 to August 1903 840 tons 



1903 „ „ 1904 820 „ 



1904 „ „ 1905 500 „ 



1905 „ „ 1906 920 „ 



1906 „ „ 1907 550 „ 



1907 „ „ 1908 ..... 525 „ 



1908 „ „ 1909 755 „ 



1909 „ „ 1910 760 „ 



1910 „ „ 1911 . . . . . 560 „ 



Total 6230 tons 

 or on an average about 690 tons per season as compared with an 

 average yield of the crop in the years 1903 — 10 of 650 tons." 



The U. S. Consul in Florence has sent a detailed report to his Govern- 

 ment on the cultivation of orris root in Upper Italy. We take the following 

 passages from this communication 1 ): — 



The plant grows in different kinds of soil, but that best adapted to 

 its growth is the stony mountain soil. This, however, must be scientifically 

 prepared, so that the sub-soil will not remain too compact, for that would 

 be disastrous to the growth of the plant in the summer months. The roots 

 also grow well in a loose soil mixed with sand, but when raised in such 



-) Daily Consular and Trade Report, 1 st June 1911. 



