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remains in a state of downright neglect, in spite of the Syndicate 

 and of the reports of failures of the harvest which from time to time 

 spring up again. All attempts to raise this article once more to a sen- 

 sible level, have up to the present failed absolutely, and no improve- 

 ment in this state of affairs can probably be expected in the near 

 future, if the limited absorbing power of the consumers is not met 

 by a proportionate restriction in the production. Although the ship- 

 ments from Reunion in the first six months of this year were only 

 10372 litres, against 13792 litres last year, it remains to be feared, 

 according to the reports received, that this deficiency will be at least 

 recovered in the second half-year, and that consequently the position 

 of this article is not likely to improve in the near future. 



Palmarosa oil was equally neglected during the past months, 

 and it is doubtful whether the high prices will remain in force for 

 any length of time if the new harvest turns out at all favourable. 

 Contrary to what used to be the case, the quotations for the new 

 distillate have not yet reached us, and under the circumstances we 

 must refrain from expressing any further opinion on this article. 



Gingergrass oil continued to be scarce and dear, but the high 

 prices have greatly influenced the demand. For this oil also, quotat- 

 ions for the new production are still absent. 



Hop Oil. This article suffered from a falling-off in the demand, 

 the cause of which it has not yet been possible to discover. The 

 anxiety as to how hop -vines would come through the winter, was 

 fortunately unfounded; the cool uncertain weather conditions no doubt 

 prevented the rapid growth of the plants, but on the other hand 

 protected them from insect pests and consequent diseases. If nothing 

 untoward occurs, it may be expected — as far as the position in the 

 various producing districts can as yet be surveyed, — that the hop 

 harvest will be in every respect satisfactory, so that very moderate 

 prices may be anticipated. 



Juniper Oil. Since a few advantageous blank offers, which were 

 probably only a manoeuvre of the speculators, have been withdrawn, 

 the Italian market shows a distinctly firm tendency, and it would 

 appear to us that we may again expect this year high prices for good 

 berries suitable for distillation. From Hungary and Bosnia no reports 

 on the harvest have as yet come to hand. During the last few months 

 there was a very brisk demand for all kinds of juniper oils, so that 

 the prices had to be raised on several occasions. 



