Evil of Perfumed Flowers.

Otago Witness, Issue 2683, 16 August 1905, Page 76

Evil of Perfumed Flowers.

The manifold perfumes of the flowers of the plant world are pure and salubrious when the flowers nra placed on a balcony or in a room whien is filled with frosh air and sunlight (;ays a modern scientist), but frequently we find many different flowers in the same room, the various perfumes producing an effect analogous to that developed by aromatic substai ces. . . . If ono wishes to remain in a room filled with plants and flowers, they sl-ould do so only during the day, especially in the case of anyone suffering from physical depression. This advice holds good also for all persons suffering from any disease where the nervous forces should not be drawn on, as well as persons with weak hearts, hysterical per«oa«, or children. Many of the perfumos gi\en off by flowers of ihe vaierian sp-cies, by the rose, rue, many varieties of iulip, <-tc, aic products oi valeric aeid^ pokrgonic acid, myrievlic

alcohol, etc. There ;s; s no doubt about t^« effects which t,hc« chemicals produce en the system; th© nervous system, especially the nerves of the stomach, is greatly depressed. If the perfume is very inten=e and tho room poorly ventilated the respiration may become very slow and superficial, the pulse weak, the mind hazy, and even fainting and swooning may occur. However, it inhaled in the open air, theie are certain classes of people who may deiive great benefit from Ihese perfumes, especially those who suffer from any hyper-sensitivo condition of the nerves of the stomach. The perfume of the orange flower, of tha gardenia, of certain varieties of the magnolia, of the lemon, of many varieties of thyme, the lavender flower, is very healthful. In fact, these perfumes may be called, natural disinfectants.— Chronicle.