— 6i — 



difficultly soluble in water, formed long colourless needles, which melted 

 not quite distinctly at 180 (in any case anisic acid, whose melting 

 point should be at 184 ). The conversion into anethol, and the occur- 

 rence of homoanisic acid as principal product of the oxidation with 

 dilute permanganate solution in the cold, would therefore appear to 

 prove, that the principal constituent of the oil examined is methyl 

 chavicol. 



The distillation-residue of the oil (about 15%) represents a yellowish 

 thick liquid, which reminded in the odour somewhat of sesquiterpenes. 

 The available quantity was not sufficient for a more detailed examin- 

 ation. But by treating it with 8o°/ alcohol, a considerable quantity 

 of a paraffin could be isolated from it forming greasy needles with a 

 silky lustre, which after recrystallisation from absolute alcohol melted 

 at 53 to 54° ( n °t quite distinctly). 



The oil of Persea gratissima Gaertn. therefore consists for by far 

 the largest part of methyl chavicol, and further of d-pinene, and 

 paraffin-like substances. 



Petitgrain Oil, Paraguay. When we reported on this article 

 a year ago, we were under the impression that the difficulties in the 

 supply would increase from year to year, as nobody would enter into 

 binding contracts for the supply of this oil in any quantity worth 

 mentioning, owing to the uncertain political situation in Paraguay. But 

 no one could think that such a catastrophe as that which has taken 

 place during the last few months, would break so suddenly over this 

 oil which is of such great importance for the perfumery -trade. The 

 production has ceased completely, and as moreover, owing to the 

 failure of the orange-blossom harvest, the prices of neroli oil had to 

 be raised to such an extent, there has arisen such a strong demand 

 for the cheap substitute that the quotations gradually advanced from 

 about 14 marks per kilo in October 1905, to 40 marks per kilo. Even 

 at the last-named figure but a few kilos are available, and as new sup- 

 plies, as already mentioned, cannot be expected, it is quite possible 

 that the end of this misfortune is not yet in view. 



With regard to the causes of this calamity, stress must be laid in 

 the first place on the political situation of the country, which has 

 brought about a state of affairs in the industry which promotes every- 

 thing but a favourable development. The quarrels between the various 

 parties, the care for their personal safety, and last not least the state 

 of siege proclaimed as a last resource, have induced a large number 

 of useful workmen to emigrate, and this has had the effect of doubling 

 or trebling the wages. We also hear that, in addition to the above, 

 such a severe drought has prevailed in the forests during the last few 

 months that the water required for the distillation has not been avail- 

 able. The situation is judged from another point of view by R. v. Fischer- 



