— 74 — 



It is stated there that the black mint herb is chiefly cultivated 

 on account of its high yield; but the roots do not keep well, and no 

 reliance can be placed on this. The peppermint herb designated by 

 the farmers as "old style" is no longer grown, on account of its low 

 oil-content. 



It is found that almost all the old mint has perished during the 

 winter of 1903/04 through cold; unquestionably the production of 

 roots will receive the greatest care, so that the result of next year's 

 crop will turn out considerably higher. The distiller is, as a matter 

 of fact, the principal person, as he not only constantly keeps in touch 

 with distant farmers, but also is a large dealer in oil. As is well 

 known, the bulk of the oil is taken to Lyons or Newark and handed 

 over to speculators in those places. 



Formerly peppermint oil distilling - apparatus could be seen from 

 the road everywhere, but with a few exceptions this trade has made 

 room for more remunerative occupations. 



This autumn about 10 installations will be at work, whereas six 

 years ago more than 100 were working daily. This alone may explain 

 the scarcity of oil during the last few years. 



At the time of the inspection-journey, six months before the com- 

 mencement of the distillation, the peppermint herb was not yet com- 

 pletely developed, and the result of the harvest as mentioned by the 

 growers could therefore only be an estimate. Occasionally it was 

 difficult to obtain information; the estimates have in every case been 

 carefully checked. 



The facts mentioned in the foregoing report would justify high 

 prices for American peppermint oil , if large stocks of the previous 

 harvest are not in existence. 



The wild speculation will still be remembered which was intended 

 to drive up the price to $ 6, — per lb., but which came to grief when 

 it became known that much Japanese oil had been used for adulter- 

 ation, and that the rise had been brought about artificially. It 

 appears that matters will go the same way this year. We do not 

 grudge the farmers good prices, but the clumsy speculation must be 

 combated with every means at disposal. 



For the present we recommend the well-tried tactics of avoiding 

 large purchases, and only buying the absolutely necessary quantities. 

 We hope that then after a certain time, the now prevailing excite- 

 ment will calm down, even if considerably cheaper prices cannot be 

 reckoned upon. 



Peppermint Oil, English. According to reports from the 

 English peppermint -districts, the quantity of oil produced from this 



