SPICE- CONDIMENT-, AUD PERFUME-PKODUCINGr PLANTS. 373 



A remarkable export came from Uganda in 1906 — chilies to the value 

 of €19,000— and the next export was in 1908, when only €845 worth was 

 shipped. 



It may be mentioned here that in 1906 there were exported from 

 Singapore, mostly to Java and Siam, curry stuffs to the value of 

 944,000 dollars, and from Penang 443,600 dollars' value. 



These exports included Chilies, Garlic, Onions, Coriander seed, Beans, 

 Peas, Turmeric, Pepper, Yams, and Sweet Potatos. 



Mints. 



About twenty-five species of Mentha are known, mostly of northern 

 temperate regions. The dried plant is pounded into a spice and turned 

 to various domestic uses. 



M. arvensis is the Japan peppermint, and has been known for at least 

 two thousand y^ars. From the distilled oil of this by refrigeration 

 the crystalline menthol is obtained in unusually large proportions for 

 medicinal purposes. 



M. Piperita. — The Peppermint is a well-known perennial herb, im- 

 portant for its peculiar essential oil. This distilled oil is in considerable 

 demand, and is obtained from the plants cultivated in mountain regions 

 or naturalized along forest rivulets. 



The annual production of Oil of Peppermint from the American States 

 is estimated at 100,000 lb. Experienced growers say that from one ton of 

 the cut herbs 7 lb. of oil can be distilled, worth 55s. per lb. An acre 

 will produce three tons of cut herb, the returns working out at £36 15s. 

 to the acre. 



M. Pulegium is the true Penny-royal, yielding a peculiar ethereal oil. 

 It is a most undesirable pasture plant. 



M. rotundifolia and M. longifolia are the species cultivated in France 

 and Italy, and very profitably utilized. More attention is given by the 

 rural inhabitants on the Continent of Europe than in the British Isles 

 to the cultivation of sweet herbs. 



M. viridis. — Spearmint, chiefly grown in Middle and Southern 

 Europe. All the mints are readily propagated by division of the root. 

 In its cultivation top-dressings of rotten farmyard manure, scot, wood 

 ashes, and fine bone dust are regularly applied. The plant quickly 

 responds to treatment. 



Makjoeam. 



From the numerous species known about ten are found in cultivation, 

 all perennial herbs. They are very sweet-scented, often used for condi- 

 ments, and produce a pleasant volatile oil. They are much employed in 

 French factories of scented soap. All grow best on a limestone soil. 

 Marjoram and Hyssop are among the common herbs of the Egyptians 

 and in general use in embalming. 



Thyme. 



Possibly one of the longest and best known of our herbs. Since 

 the time of Hippocrates this small scented plant has been employed tor 

 scent condiment and i medicine. 



