— 9 — 
to make contracts for large quantities of this oil at exceptionally low 
prices, and we shall be pleased to quote on receipt of enquiries. 
Mersina, Mogador and Salonica kernels come cheaper than the 
Syrian quality, but they are not worked up by us. The Californian 
kernels no doubt yield a large quantity of oil, but the latter has a 
peculiar flavour which is not admired. In view of the enormous growth 
in the shipment of Californian apricot- preserves, the production of 
kernels may possibly be capable of a considerable increase. At this 
moment we estimate it at about 80000 kilos per annum. 
Oil of Ambrette- seeds. It was feared that the natural phenom- 
ena in Martinique would have led to a scarcity in ambrette- seeds, 
but this has not been the case. On the contrary, there has never 
before been such a large supply on the market as at present. Sample- 
parcels from the Comores have recently also been introduced into 
commerce. 
As the consumption is comparatively small, every new source of 
supply may affect the value. 
Liquid oil of ambrette-seeds, which we were the first to introduce 
into commerce, is in great demand. It can be worked up to greater 
advantage than the ordinary concrete oil. 
Anise Oil. Up to the time of going to press we have learnt 
the following with regard to the harvest in the various countries where 
anise is cultivated : - — 
In Russia about the same quantity of anise has been cultivated 
as last year, but the result is decidedly worse. Heavy rains in May 
produced such a large growth of weeds in the fields, that these 
threatened to choke the seed which had just come up. By energetic 
weeding, however, the danger was averted. The fields recovered, and 
promised a good crop. But unfortunately the wet weather was fol- 
lowed in June and July, during the flowering season, by continued 
drought and hot winds, causing enormous damage which could not 
possibly be made good. The early seed has suffered most, the late 
seed somewhat less, but the latter also has not escaped. 
Quantitatively the crop is estimated at little more than half that 
of last year, and as regards quality this year's seed leaves also much 
to be desired. It has a dark colour, is small-grained, contains much 
earth, and, with regard to the yield of oil, falls also considerably behind 
the 1902 seed. 
The quantity of seed brought to the first market, which was held 
at Krassnoje on September iith, was, in accordance with the prevail- 
ing conditions, infinitesimal, and amounted only to about one -tenth 
of last year's quantity. The prices ruled very high, but in view of the 
inferior quality, there was not much inclination to buy. 
