PERFUMES: TILEIE SOUKCE AND EXTRACTION. 



139 



In March and April, violet and jonquil. 



In May and June, rose and orange blossom. 



In June, the orange leaves, which yield the so-called petitgrain oil. 

 In June and July, thyme and rosemary. 



In August and September, jasmine, tuberose, lavender, and spike- 

 lavender. 



In September and October, rose geranium (pelargonium). 

 In October, cassie. 



It is hardly, perhaps, in my province to refer to any commercial points, 

 but there is one of special interest which latterly has largely disturbed 

 the relations of the Grasse perfume houses and their customers all over 

 the world. A syndicate of owners and growers of orange flowers has 

 recently been formed which has for its object the establishing of a price 

 for flowers in their own interests, and without much reference to the 

 perfumers. 



Dissatisfaction was shown by the growers at the beginning of each 

 season at the price which was paid for the flowers ; but this price being 

 maintained through the season, it as a rule became a fair average one, 

 the yield of flowers being so much greater in June than at the beginning 

 of the crop in April. The difficulty is increasing, and it has resulted in 

 very high prices ruling for such important oils as neroli (orange flower) 

 oil, and it wiU probably extend to other cultivations and their products. 

 The last and present season have not been at all favourable for the 

 working of such a scheme owing to the frosts, which have very con- 

 siderably interfered with the blossoming of the orange. There is also 

 a syndicate ruling the price of flowers of cassie, but so far no other has 

 been estabhshed. 



The world's production of perfumery is stated to be as under. 

 (1,000 kilos, is almost the same weight as a ton) : — 



Feance. 



Cassie . . 20.000 to 30.000 kilos. 

 Violets . . 300,000 .. 400,000 „ 

 Roses . . . 1.-500,000 kilos. 

 Orange flowers . 2.000.000 .. 

 Jasruine . . oCO.OOO to 600,000 ,. 

 Oil of lavender . 80,000 kilos. 

 Aspic . . . 30,000 „ 

 Thyme . . 20,0C0 „ 

 Rosemary . . 20.000 „ 

 Representing a value of more than 30,000.000 frs. (*'1.200,000). 



Italy. 



Oil of bergamot i 



„ orange '- 1.600,»i00 kilos. 

 „ lemon ) 



Valued at U.ToS.OCO frs. (.i'o90.320). 



BULGAEIA. 



Oil of rose . . 4,000 to 5.000 kilos. 

 Valued at 3,500,000 frs. (£140,000). 



Algeeia. 



Oil of geranium . . 80,000 kilos. 



