— 54 — 



had a specific gravity of 0,92 2 7(1 5,5°) and an optical rotation of -[- 3 1 7'. 

 No phellandrene could be detected in it; on the other hand, it con- 

 tained much cineol, the phosphoric acid process indicating a content 

 of not less than 83,7 per cent, of this constituent. 



Fennel Oil. The sluggish demand has induced the Galician 

 fennel dealers to lower their previously exaggerated pretensions; hence, 

 in the course of the closing months of last year, a very brisk trade 

 ensued, so that it was possible to use considerable quantities for 

 distilling purposes. The animated business transactions were impeded 

 now and then by serious differences in the quality of the material, 

 which, however, appear to have been mostly settled to the disad- 

 vantage of the suppliers. In view of the peculiarities of the people 

 who occupy themselves with the exportation of fennel in Galicia, the 

 minutest circumspection is needed in the agreements as to quality 

 and delivery. Other supplies of fennel than the Galician did not 

 affect our industry in the course of the past half year. 



Geranium Oil. Considering the unsatisfactory state of the demand 

 in the past year on the one hand, and on the other the fact that, in 

 1908, 46 600 kilos of Algerian geranium oil were cleared by the 

 customs as compared with 38700 kilos in 1907, it is not surprising 

 that there has still been no improvement in the value. True, there 

 was no lack of sensational rumours of unfavourable prospects due to 

 bad weather-conditions and impending restriction of culture, but all 

 these and similar tactics failed to draw the market from its state of 

 indifference. Within the last few weeks the producers have been more 

 accommodating than ever before and have tried to find buyers of 

 large parcels for future delivery at the ridiculously low prices now ruling. 



The commercial position of Reunion geranium oil is still more 

 distressful. As is well known, this variety is less used in the manufacture 

 of toilet-soaps than is the African kind, because owing to its char- 

 acteristic odour as well as on account of its other properties it is not 

 suitable for all purposes. We have already had occasion before now 

 to point out that the World's annual consumption, which is estimated 

 by the Syndicate at 30000 kilos, is actually far from reaching that 

 figure, and we are able to confirm this assertion as the result of more 

 recently received information. Seeing that notwithstanding this, the oil 

 continues to be produced regardless of the demand, it is not surprising 

 that within the last few years the prices have receded by one-half 

 and that every hope of a return of the good old days is vanishing. 

 The well-known "Syndicat de St. Pierre" continues to hold aloof from 

 the market altogether, in the expectation of "better prices" ; such, at 

 any rate, is a statement of the Bulletin commercial de I'lle de la Reunion 

 of December 30 th 1908. 



