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Nutmegs are valued according to size; and, after 
cracking, they must therefore be graded. The 
three common grades are those averaging 65, 85 
and 110 nuts per lb. respectively. Defective or 
broken nuts are converted to powdered spice by 
grinding, and used for seasoning or preparation of 
nutmeg butter and essential oil of nutmegs. 
The graded nutmegs are packed in cases or casks 
for export. 
The local price for nutmegs at the present time 
(Oct. 1923) is $55.00 and $48.00 per pikul for 80’s 
and 110’s respectively. 
The latest London quotations for nutmegs are: — 
65’s at ls. 'Gd. per lb., 80’s at 1-s. Id. and 110’s at 
lO^d., whilst oil of nutmegs is quoted at 4s, 6d. 
per lb. 
Uses . — The nutmeg contains about 25 per cent, of 
a fixed fat which constitutes the nutmeg butter of 
commerce, prepared by crushing the seeds and 
pressing the heated meal. 
The nutmeg also contains an essential oil, which is 
obtained by steam distillation of the pulverised 
nutmegs, the yield being from eight to ten per cent. 
Mace also yields an essential oil related closely to 
that of the nutmeg. 
Both nutmegs and mace are used principally as 
spice and flavouring agents ; nutmeg butter is used 
medicinally as a basis for ointments, whilst oil of 
nutmegs or mace is employed in perfumery and for 
flavouring liqueurs. 
