There are two methods of making essence of lavender:--1. By distilling
a mixture of essential oil of lavender and rectified spirit; and the
other--2. By merely mixing the oil and the spirit together.

The first process yields the finest quality: it is that which is adopted
by the firm of Smyth and Nephew, whose reputation for this article is
such that it gives a good character in foreign markets, especially
India, to all products of lavender of English manufacture. Lavender
essence, that which is made by the still, is quite white, while that by
mixture only always has a yellowish tint, which by age becomes darker
and resinous.

SMYTH'S LAVENDER.

To produce a very fine distillate, take--

Otto of English Lavender, 4 oz.
Rectified spirit (60 over proof), 5 pints.
Rose-water, 1 pint.

Mix and distil five pints for sale. Such essence of lavender is
expensive, but at 10_s._ a pint of 14 oz! there _is_ a margin for
profit. It not being convenient to the general dealer to sell distilled
lavender essence, the following form, by mixture, will produce a
first-rate article, and nearly as white as the above.

ESSENCE OF LAVENDER.

Otto of lavender, 3-1/2 oz.