— 24 — 



tities which arrive during the monsoon are too small to have any 

 effect whatever on the market, and as the production in December 

 and January is generally much smaller than the results of the July- 

 September harvest, it is probable that speculative sales made in the 

 meantime will not allow the market to become quiet. 



The figures of the export from Ceylon up to 20 th August are: — 



in 1906, 694267 lbs. against { £ ]W» 855615 lbs. 



The shortage of about 160000 lbs. as compared with 1905 may 

 therefore be the principal cause of the present firm state of the market, 

 for the demand of the soap-industry is decidedly increasing, the more 

 so as spike and lavender oils have long since become too expensive 

 for cheap soaps. If, therefore, the shortage in the export increases 

 towards the end of the year, there can be no doubt that in 1907 

 the prices will be considerably higher still. 



We have at our disposal stocks of considerable quantities, pro- 

 portionate to our sales of this article, and would ask buyers of large 

 quantities to apply for our special quotations when in the market. 



We were recently compelled to raise the price of the Java quality 

 which is in great request, especially from the side of manufacturers of 

 better-class soaps, as the producer under the existing conditions appeared 

 not to make any profit out of it. The shipments during the last few 

 months were also far from plentiful, and we are anxiously looking 

 forward to the receipt of further news explaining the causes of this 

 regrettable shortage. 



We abstract the following details from a comprehensive article by 

 A. Joyasuriya 1 ) on the citronella oil industry which is of great im- 

 portance for the inhabitants of Ceylon, as some 40000 acres are 

 cultivated with citronella grass. Starting from the principle that the 

 largest yield of oil at the smallest expense can only be attained by 

 carrying out practical experiments on a scientific basis, Joyasuriya 

 has made the most varied experiments, and has obtained results worthy 

 of consideration, without being able to give an explanation of every 

 single occurrence. 



The history of the citronella plant is shrouded in darkness, and 

 the most varied opinions prevail on the origin of the different varieties 2 ). 

 The mother-plant, as is well known, is Andropogon Nardus L.; the four 

 different varieties which occur are separated into two groups: "maha- 

 pangiri" and "lanabatu", of which each has its advantages and dis- 

 advantages. The former gives a rich yield of oil, which is greatly 



*) Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter 70 (1906), 25, and The Times of Ceylon of 

 3*<1 April, 1906. 



*) Comp. Report April 1905, 55. 



