The New Student's Reference Work/Attar of Roses

At'tar of Roses (from the Arab word for perfume), the oil extracted from the petals of the rose. It is prepared from rose-water in Persia, India and other eastern countries by setting it out during the night in large open vessels, and early in the morning skimming off the oil which floats at the top. It is very costly, and is often adulterated with sandalwood and other oils. Half an ounce of the oil can be made from 200,000 well-grown roses, and this amount, when manufactured, is worth about $40. The oil is at first colorless, but later shows a yellow tint. The oil of Adrianople and of Ghazipoor in Hindustan is considered the best. The region about Ghazipoor is one great expanse of roses.