9298 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAD. [1 ApRIn, 1898. 
as L. Veraand L. Spica. The treatment of each is similar, but their value in oil 
production differs. The following is the illustration of Lavandula latifolia or 
L. ‘Spica :-— 
The oil of this is of much less value, but the plant gives a much heavier 
yield, and is said to be hardier and have a more vigorous growth. It is found 
growing in all parts of the colony, and is more general as a garden shrub or 
plant than the Vera. The same treatment is required for this as for the other 
variety. : 
v *LAVANDULA STQICHAS, OR TOPPED LAVENDER. 
This is frequently met with in the colony, but is not much used for oil 
extraction, as the oil is of an inferior quality, partaking more of the rosemary. 
Baron von Mueller states that 1t grows readily from seed, and in mild 
districts it is for five months in full flower, and comes early in to bloom. 
Returns PER Acre. 
The returns per acre from a lavender crop, as may be supposed, vary 
considerably, and the price fluctuates in proportion to the yield. ‘The quantity 
of oil is not regulated by the amount of material obtained from the plant, as 
in some seasons the return of oil per still charge varies up to 80 per cent. 
An instance is given in 1890, when 34 stills gave 240 Ib. 10 oz. of oil of mint, 
when the following season the same number produced 170 lb. only. 
The late Mr. Slater, of Mitcham, Victoria, was a recognised authority on 
the cultivation of scent and drug plants. This gentleman stated, before the 
Vegetable Products Commission, that an acre of lavender plants will vield 
from 8 to 5 tons—three from young plants, and five from old. The yield of 
-oil is stated to be 14 1b. per ton; from this it will be seen that 42 Jb. of oil are 
obtained per acre. These figures are, however, disputed ; but there is evidently 
a good margin of profit when lavender oil can be produced of a suitable quality. 
The value of the oil varies from 7s. to 10s. per Ib., and, if the yield is 
considerably less than that stated, there should still be a handsome profit for 
those who have labour and means to enter into this industry. Judgment is 
required in the selection of suitable sites for this and other similar products, 
and also in the manipulation of the plants. 
For more advanced information on the chemical aspect of the business 
the standard works may be consulted. 
