— 66 — 



Neroli Oil. The severe cold of the past winter appears to have 

 only had a retarding effect on the orange blossom harvest, for the 

 result of about 1900000 kilos, which has been obtained according 

 to various estimates, falls but little short of the results of a normal 

 harvest. Of the above quantity, about 1200000 kilos belong to the 

 Syndicate; the average price paid this year for the blossoms was 

 about 1,20 francs per kilo. Many complaints have been heard about 

 the yield of oil, as during the distillation the weather was mostly 

 cool and rainy. The oil prices moved at first between 700 and 

 750 francs per kilo, but soon advanced to 800 francs, as an ex- 

 ceptionally brisk demand arose and stocks of last year's harvest could 

 not be reckoned upon. A few producers ask already 900 francs per 

 kilo, but do not appear to be able to arouse much interest at that 

 figure on the part of the consumers. 



The scarcity of oil last year has induced a large number of con- 

 sumers to turn their attention to our artificial neroli oil, and the 

 expectations to which we gave expression in our Report of October 1906 

 have been fulfilled in every respect. Many of our friends have adopted 

 the exclusive use of our artificial product, the advantages of which must 

 be obvious to every interested person. 



Nutmeg Oil. Although the commercial value of nutmegs has 

 fallen considerably in recent times, the cultivation of the trees 1 ) is 

 still of sufficient importance. In the forests of India several species 

 occur in the wild state, especially Myristica longifolia (Syn. M. corticosd) 

 and Myristica attenuata; but Myristica fragra?is supplies the product of 

 commerce. This latter species is also the only one cultivated; it was 

 introduced by the Dutch in Ceylon, and thence brought to India. The 

 tree develops in a moist, warm climate, and requires a fertile soil. 

 Apart from the care which every culture requires, and the expenses 

 of laying out the plantation, the nutmeg tree causes but very little 

 trouble. 7 to 10 years after planting, the trees blossom and bear 

 fruit; they are able to yield crops for a very long time. On an 

 average, one tree yields annually about 200 nutmegs. 



Orris Oil. The present position of the orris root market is 

 described by our correspondents as follows : — 



Since the date of our Spring report, no pronounced changes have taken 

 place in the prices of Florentine orris root, as to-day 68/70 marks cif. Hamburg 

 must still be paid for assorted roots, and 60/62 for seconds. As to the quality, 

 however, it is to be regretted that a step in the backward direction has again 

 to be recorded. Excepting a few small parcels, the roots of the new harvest 

 which have been brought in are lean and stunted throughout; the fine full 

 roots of former times are totally absent, and it is easy to recognise from the 

 article the consequences of the severe drought and the neglect of the cultivation. 



*) Annales de Pharmacie 13 (1907), 189. 



