Nearly all of the cinnamon of the market is obtained from cultivated plants. There are large plantations in southeastern China, Cochin-China, India, Sunda islands, Sumatra, Java and other tropical countries and islands. In many instances little or nothing is known regarding the cultivation, collecting and curing of cinnamons. As a rule the trees are pruned for convenience in collecting the bark. In the better-grade cinnamons the bark from the younger twigs only (1½ to 2 years old) is collected. This is removed in quills, the outer corky inert layers being discarded and dried. As the drying proceeds the smaller quills are telescoped into the larger for convenience in handling, packing and shipping. The color changes to a reddish brown and the aroma increases. Two crops are collected annually; one, the principal crop, in May and June; the second from November to January. The blossoms are formed during May and June and the fruit ripens in January; these periods correspond to the periods of collecting. The older, dry, corky bark should not be collected, as it contains little volatile oil. In all carefully prepared cinnamons the outer bark layers are removed by scraping. Cinnamon is quite frequently adulterated; poor qualities are substituted for good qualities or added to the better qualities. This applies especially to ground cinnamon. Cinnamon is one of the richest of the spices. Its flavor is quite universally liked. It is employed in pies and other pastry, in drinks, in the preparation of hair oils and hair tonics, in confectionery, with pickles, etc., etc. Medicinally it is employed as a corrective, in dysentery and in coughs. The excessive consumption of spices, cinnamon included, is a pernicious practice, as may be gathered from the opening quotation from Ravenscroft. Spices cause pathological changes in stomach, the liver and other glandular organs in particular. Quite frequently those addicted to the use of spices are also addicted to the use of alcoholic drinks, and it is more than likely that the “jolly red nose” referred to was caused by the alcoholic stimulants rather than the spices. The not fully matured flowers are known as cassia buds and are used as a spice. They are not unlike cloves in appearance. The roots of the various cinnamon trees yield camphor. The leaves yield volatile oil and the seeds a faintly aromatic fat. Albert Schneider. AT DUSK. Dark shadows fall upon the earth, Cool vapors rise in air, The screech-owl in the copse is heard, The bees are freed from care. The butterfly has closed its wings, The lark has gone to rest; The nightingale in tree-top sings; To sleep the crow thinks best. The lightning bug glows in the brake; The cricket chirps beneath the stone; The whip poor will is yet awake, The bull-frog calls in deep, low tone.