— 24 — 
The bad condition of the plants rendered it necessary in the spring 
to plough up several fields. The cold weather prevailing during the 
flowering season impaired the development, and when in addition to 
this the harvest time was characterised by uninterrupted rainfall, much 
damage was done to the quality of the seed. The average crop is 
estimated at barely 8 bales per acre, and the total yield for the 
whole of Holland in round figures at 50000 bales, whilst the quality 
is medium throughout. The stocks remaining from previous years are 
difficult to estimate, but they must be fairly heavy. Prices are low, 
and may harden if the trade becomes a little more brisk. 
Offers have already come in from Norway, but shipments from 
that country do not as a rule commence before November. 
In East- Prussia, the crop appears to be insignificant. 
We have been able to obtain some consignments of German cara- 
way at favourable prices. These lots were found to be exceptionally 
fine, with a comparatively high oil-content, which proved that with suit- 
able cultivation, seed of intrinsic value can also be obtained in Germany. 
The quotations of caraway oil and carvol may probably remain low 
this season. We supply carvene in quantities at a very moderate price. 
Cassia Oil, Chinese. Since the date of our last Report, the 
prices in China have advanced about 15 to 20 per cent, in consequence 
of heavy purchases made to fill contracts. High-grade oils are remaining 
scarce and in an upward tendency. The cause of this remarkable de- 
pression remains hidden, and it can only be assumed that here also it 
is a question of over-production. 
With regard to the qualities delivered of the various kinds, nothing 
new can be said. Slight differences between statements and facts are 
often noticeable, but on the whole the high-grade oils, as far as our 
importations are concerned, were of faultless composition. The bulk 
of the production consists of the medium qualities with an aldehyde- 
content between 65 and 75 per cent, whilst oils of 80 to 85 per cent 
represent about one fourth part of the exported quantity. According 
to the most recent reports, there was an absolute lack at Hongkong 
of the cheaper sorts, of 50 to 60 and 60 to 65 per cent. 
The figures of the exports of cassia and star-anise oils from China 
show a considerable drop. The shipments from Canton were: — 
From I January to end of July 1902 
to the United Kingdom 291 piculs, against 665 piculs in 1901, 
„ „ Continent 753 „ „ 907 „ „ 1901. 
The exports during the same period in 1900 w^ere 
to the United Kingdom .... 1040 piculs, 
„ „ Continent 11 76 „ 
that is to say, more than double the quantity of 1902. 
