f — 123 — 



manufacture. The esterification of such an unstable body as linalool 

 demands special precautions, failing which, as was shown by the case 

 under discussion, the final product is something quite different. At the 

 same time we wish to correct the somewhat hasty assertion of the firm 

 which had supplied the product to the effect that we, too, were unable 

 to prepare linalyl acetate free from geranyl-, neryl-, and terpinylacetate 

 and that the 80 p. c. referred to by us was merely meant to indicate the 

 total ester- content. In reply to this assertion we declare that the linalyl 

 acetate prepared and placed upon the market by us consists exclusively of 

 linalool and linalyl acetate and contains on the average 80 p. c. of the latter. 



Menthol. In accordance with our custom we deal with this article 

 under the heading "Peppermint oil, Japanese", see p. 90. 



Musk, Tonquin. According to reports received from our informants 

 in Shanghai the present year's musk-season, which was only opened in 

 May, has been of brief duration. Unfortunately the conditions of the musk- 

 trade still remain without improvement, for the scene of the hostilities 

 between the Chinese and Tibetans which have now been in progress for 

 some time lies partly in the musk-districts between Sze-chuen and Thibet. 

 If higher prices have to be paid the principal reason is the brisk demand 

 for musk from America, France and England, for the insecure conditions 

 prevailing in the interior of China are naturally an inducement to the 

 musk-hunters to send the results of the chase to the coast with all 

 possible dispatch, as it is too risky to store the musk in the unsettled 

 districts. The above information would really lead to the conclusion that 

 stocks are being accumulated in Shanghai. 



Peru Balsam. As always, it is difficult to fathom the commercial 

 position of this article and we must therefore restrict ourselves to place 

 upon record the fact that during the summer the prices have generally 

 remained unaltered. The leading importers at the present time show a 

 firm attitude, and all hope of an early return to low prices would there- 

 fore seem to be vain. 



According to A. Hale 1 ), San Salvador exports annually about 

 fe 130000 pounds (gross) of Peru balsam, of which 65000 pounds are sent to 

 ~ Germany. Recently the Government of the Republic has placed an export 



duty of 1 Peso (about 40 cents gold) per quintal gross (101,4 pounds) 



upon Peru balsam. 



Quino'Quino balsam. In a previous Report (April 1910, 149), we 

 published a brief reference to this balsam, taken from a paper by Hart- 

 wich and Jama. A balsam derived from the same plant (Myroxylon 



x ) Americ. Perfumer 7 (1910), 10, 40. 



