21 — 



of the solvent is added, at most give an opalescent cloudy solution; 

 separation of oil should not take place. The observation-temperature 

 is 1 5 to 20°. This method gives very reliable results, and has also 

 been employed with advantage in a similar manner in Ceylon. With 

 regard to simplicity in the execution, it is undoubtedly superior to 

 Bamber's method. 



Fortunately the situation in Ceylon appears in other respects to 

 be gradually improving; even the producers seem to understand that 

 a continuation of the present system means certain ruin to the citron- 

 ella oil industry. Good oils are now frequently, placed on the market, 

 and we ourselves have quite recently received oils of such excellent 

 quality as we have not had for a considerable time. The content of 

 total geraniol (geraniol -f- citronellal) amounted to about 6o°/ . These 

 oils dissolved well in 80 per cent, alcohol, and also passed the above- 

 mentioned „raised Schimmel's test." The dilute alcoholic solution 

 of the oil mixed with 5 °/ Russian petroleum no doubt showed a 

 strong opalescence, but no oil was separated off even at a low tempe- 

 rature (refrigerator). In spite of this, a test carried out by Bamber's 

 method showed an adulteration of about 5 °/ , although all other in- 

 dications of such adulteration werea bsent. In our opinion the oil 

 examined is pure, and of faultless quality, and we consider that the 

 result obtained by Bamber's process shows a defect in that method. 



Citronella Oil, Java. The manufacturers in Java have by larger 

 shipments carried out their promise to increase the production, and it 

 has therefore up to the present been possible to execute in full all 

 the orders which have been received. It is to be hoped that this 

 business, now so well arranged and developed, will escape the natural 

 phenomena which are of such frequent occurrence in Java. 



Clove Oil. Important fluctuations, due chiefly to speculative causes, 

 have again to be recorded in the prices of Zanzibar cloves since we 

 published our last Report. The highest level was reached in May with 

 fl. 46,— per 50 kilos, the lowest in July with fl. 36,—, for prompt delivery. 



At present (the middle of September) 



the quotations on the Dutch 



erminal market are as follows: — 





October 1904 . 



• A- 34 3 /s 



November „ 



• „ 32% 



December ,, 



• „ 3i 3 A 



January 1905 ) 

 February „ J 



• ,-, 3i 7 /s 



March „ . . 



• ,. 30 7 / 8 



April/May „ . . 



• „ 3i 3 / 8 



The result of the new harvest is 



purposely kept secret, or else 



such contradictory reports are given ou 



t about it that it is impossible 



