— 68 — 
in plants which had been submitted to the action of common salt. 
In our last Reports we have mentioned the most important results 
of these experiments which had already been published previously, 
so that we may now confine ourselves to referring to the last detailed 
publication. 
Both investigators 2) next examined the influence which a dressing 
with a solution of nitrate of "sodium exerts on the peppermint plant. 
The results which they have thereby obtained agree with the changes 
caused in the plant by the fertilisation with common salt. From a 
definite stage in the development, the water-content of the plant 
treated with nitrate of sodium decreases in a greater degree than that 
of the normally cultivated plant; on the other hand, the increase of 
organic substance is larger in the former case than in the latter. The 
ester formation is also promoted by nitrate of sodium. Under the latter's 
influence the oil produced by the plant becomes permanently poorer 
in menthol and menthone, but richer in menthol esters, than the oil 
of the plants cultivated in a natural manner. Nitrate of sodium has 
also an accelerating effect on the growth of the plant. 
Petitgrain Oil, Paraguay. The market still suffers from the 
pressure of the stocks accumulated both in the country of production 
and at the various continental ports; these stocks are sufficient to 
meet the demand for several years to come, and may possibly partly 
fun to waste. This article does not keep, and for this reason is as 
unsuitable for speculation as is possible. As a matter of principle 
we never buy from any of the European speculators' stocks, but regu- 
larly import our requirements direct, as in this manner we are certain 
of always obtaining fresh essence. 
A parcel which is now on the way includes samples of an extra 
quality petitgrain oil. Of this kind only about 2,000 kilos have been 
distilled, and its price comes decidedly higher. In our next Report 
we propose to return to the properties of this new oil. 
Up to now petitgrain oil has but rarely been examined chemi- 
cally. The only fact really known, was, that it contains linalyl acetate 
as principal constituent, and further limonene and geraniol, the latter 
both in the free state and as acetic ester. The following particulars 
may form a contribution towards the knowledge of Paraguay petit- 
grain oil. 
We used for the purpose of this examination a genuine Paraguay 
oil of the specific gravity 0,8912, optical rotation — 0^36', and 
^) Report October 1901, 57; April 1902, 54. 
Compt. rend. 134 (1902), 1228. — Bull. Soc. chim. III. 27 (1902), 914. 
