To return from our digression. The essence of mignonette, or, as it is more often sold under the name of Extrait de Rezeda, is prepared by infusing the rezeda pomade in rectified spirit, in the proportion of one pound of pomade to one pint of spirit, allowing them to digest together for a fortnight, when the essence is filtered off the pomade. One ounce of extrait d'ambre is added to every pint. This is done to give permanence to the odor upon the handkerchief, and does not in any way alter its odor. MIRIBANE.--The French name for artificial essence of almond (see ALMOND). MINT.--All the _Menthidae_ yield fragrant ottos by distillation. The otto of the spear-mint (_M. viridis_) is exceedingly powerful, and very valuable for perfuming soap, in conjunction with other perfumes. Perfumers use the ottos of the mint in the manufacture of mouth-washes and dental liquids. The leading ingredient in the celebrated "eau Botot" is oil of peppermint in alcohol. A good imitation may be made thus:-- EAU DE BOTOT. Tincture of cedar wood, 1 pint. " myrrh, 1 oz. Oil of peppermint, 1/2 dr. " spear mint, 1/4 dr. " cloves, 10 drops. " roses, 10 " Modifications of this formula can be readily suggested, but the main object is to retain the mint ottos, as they have more power than any other aromatic to overcome the smell of tobacco. Mouth-washes, it must be remembered, are as much used for rinsing the mouth after smoking as for a dentifrice. MYRTLE.--A very fragrant otto may be procured by distilling both flowers and leaves of the common myrtle; one hundred-weight will yield about five ounces of the volatile oil. The demand for essence of myrtle being very limited, the odor as found in the perfumers' shops is very rarely a genuine article, but it is imitated thus:-- IMITATION ESSENCE OF MYRTLE. Extract of vanilla, 1/2 pint. " roses 1 " Extract of fleur d'orange, 1/2 pint. " tubereuse, 1/2 " " jasmine, 2 oz. Mix and allow to stand for a fortnight: it is then fit for bottling, and is a perfume that gives a great deal of satisfaction. Myrtle-flower water is sold in France under the name of eau d'ange, and may be prepared like rose, elder, or other flower waters. NEROLI, OR ORANGE-FLOWER.--Two distinct odors are procurable from the orange-blossom, varying according to the methods adopted for procuring them. This difference of perfume from the same flower is a great advantage to the manufacturer. This curious fact is worthy of inquiry by the chemical philosopher. It is not peculiar to the orange-flower, but applies to many others, especially rose--probably to all flowers.