— 32 — 



We have again received, quite lately, considerable parcels of this oil 

 from our reliable source of supply in the island of Buru, and these are 

 not included in the figures given above. 



The prices have been subject to slight fluctuations only and, generally 

 speaking, have maintained their present level. 



Calamus Oil. In directing attention to our superior distillate, we do 

 so with the more emphasis because just lately we have been asked to 

 give an opinion on oil-samples from competing quarters which, although 

 normal as regards their constants, possessed such a peculiar aroma that 

 their employment in, say, the manufacture of liqueurs, must be attended 

 with serious and costly disappointments. For this reason we would 

 earnestly point out to those who are interested in the article, and es- 

 pecially to the distributors, that in purchasing calamus oil it is quite a 

 mistake to regard the question of price as of prime importance. 



Camphor Oil. On the whole the position of this important oil may 

 be described as unaltered. Considerable stocks of cheap crude oif 

 still exist both in Europe and in the United States, and for that reason 

 the selling prices have not as yet reflected the increased rates which have 

 had to be paid to the Japanese for the most recent purchases. Both light 

 and heavy camphor oil have been in brisk demand; considerable quantities 

 have changed hands, and the weakness in the turpentine oil market has 

 by no means been able to hamper the trade in camphor oil. Generally 

 speaking the position of the article must be called very firm, for the 

 Japanese refuse altogether even to consider counter-offers to their demands, 

 and they are very cleverly taking care to place upon the market only just 

 enough of the different varieties of crude oil to supply the demand for 

 the time being, and above all to prevent an over-supply. 



In our Report of April 1911, p. 31, we stated that a Mr. Anderson, 

 an American interested in the camphor trade, had lodged a protest with 

 the Japanese authorities against certain alleged irregularities practised in 

 that trade. In view of the antagonistic interests of the Japanese and the 

 foreign camphor-refiners, Mr. Anderson has come to the conclusion that 

 the only means of saving the camphor trade is the creation of a Trust, 

 embracing the Japanese and the American manufacturers, and also, if 

 possible, the British, German, and French importers. He has explained 

 his views to the leading interests in Japan and in the United States, bffi 

 it is considered doubtful whether it will be possible to secure the co-- 

 operation of the parties in Europe who are interested in the trade, although 

 there may be no difficulty in bringing "under one hat" the Japanese and 

 the American manufacturers. It is said that the Japanese firms have 



C 



*) Chem. Zeitschr. 10 (1911), 210. 



