ESSENTIAL OILS. 



377 



singular property of congealing at the temperature of 54° 

 Fahrenheit. It is largely imported from the East Indies 

 and from Germany; as much as 4500 lbs. have been im- 

 ported in one year. It is used in flavouring spirits and 

 cordials, and also in pharmacy. 



Oil of Caeaway is distilled from the seeds (fruit) of 

 Carum Cami [UmheUifem) . Small quantities are occasion- 

 ally imported from Germany, much more is home manu- 

 factured and exported. Its uses are similar to those of 

 the preceding one. 



Oil of Eoses, Attae of Roses, Otto of Roses. — 

 This most valued essential oil is distilled from the petals 

 of one or more species of Rose (the exact species are not 

 known to Europeans) ; its costliness can be easily understood 

 when it is known that the produce of 10,000 rose-bushes, 

 taken at 100,000 roses, is required to yield 180 grains, or 

 three drachms, of pure Attar. Being the favourite perfume 

 of the whole civilized world, we are lost in amazement when 

 we attempt to reflect upon the quantity of rose-leaves re- 

 quired in this manufacture. England alone receives about 

 1000 lbs. annually^ and France probably half as much 

 more. In eastern countries it is a most essential luxury ; 

 ^' the Attar GuFs Perfume is found at the toilet of every 



