MRS. B.
Yes, remarkably so; and in geranium leaves also, which have a much more powerful odour than the flowers.
The perfume of sandal fans is an instance of its existence in wood. In short, all vegetable odours or perfumes are produced by the evaporation of particles of these volatile oils.
EMILY.
They are, I suppose, very light, and of very thin consistence, since they are so volatile?
MRS. B.
They vary very much in this respect, some of them being as thick as butter, whilst others are as fluid as water. In order to be prepared for perfumes, or essences, these oils are first properly purified, and then either distilled with spirit of wine, as in the case with lavender water, or simply mixed with a large proportion of water, as is often done with regard to peppermint. Frequently, also, these odoriferous waters are prepared merely by soaking the plants in water, and distilling. The water then comes over impregnated with the volatile oil.
CAROLINE.
Such waters are frequently used to take spots of grease out of cloth, or silk; how do they produce that effect?
MRS. B.