THE EUCALYPTUS, MYRTLE, ETC.

Of later introduction than the trees of the orange family is the Eucalyptus globulus, which, not being able to compete with the former in the variety of nasal titillations it gives rise to, probably consoles itself with coming off the distinct victor in the department of power and penetration.  The leaves and twigs of this tree are distilled for oil.  This oil is in large demand on the Continent, the fact of there being no other species than the globulus in the neighborhood being a guarantee of the uniformity of the product.

Whereas the eucalyptus is but a newcomer in these regions, another member of the same family, the common myrtle, can date its introduction many centuries back.  An oil is distilled from its leaves, and also a water.

Associated with the myrtle we find the leaves of the bay laurel, forming the victorious wreaths of the ancients.  The oil produced is the oil of bay laurel, oil of sweet bay.  This must not be confounded with the oil of bays of the West Indies, the produce of the Myrcia acris; nor yet with the cherry laurel, a member of yet another family, the leaves of which are sometimes substituted for those of the sweet bay.  The leaves of this plant yield the cherry laurel water of the B.P.  It can hardly be said to be an article of perfumery.  It also yields an oil.

Another water known to the British Pharmacopoeia is that produced from the flowers of the elder, which flourishes round about Grasse.

The rue also grows wild in these parts, and is distilled.

THE LABIATES.

The family which overshadows all others in the quantity of essential oils which it puts at the disposal of the Grassois and their neighbors is that of the Labiatae.  Foremost among these we have the lavender, spike, thyme, and rosemary.  These are all of a vigorous and hardy nature and require no cultivation.  The tops of these plants are generally distilled in situ, under contract with the Grasse manufacturer, by the villagers in the immediate vicinity.  The higher the altitude at which these grow, the more esteemed the oil.  The finest oil of lavender is produced by distilling the flowers only.  About 100 tons of lavender, 25 of spike, 40 of thyme, and 20 of rosemary are sent out from Grasse every year.

Among the less abundant labiates of these parts is the melissa, which yields, however, a very fragrant oil.

In the same family we have the sage and the sweet or common basil, also giving up their essential oils on distillation.

THE UMBELLIFERS.

Whereas the flowers of the labiate family are treated by the distillers as favorites are by the gods, and are cut off in their youth, those of the Umbelliferae are allowed to mature and develop into the oil-yielding fruits.  Its representatives, the fennel and parsley, grow wild round about the town, and are laid under contribution by the manufacturers.