ALOE. 18 



are used as hemp, and manufactured into a thread. Of 

 the points, with which the branches abound, are made nails, 

 darts, and awls. The Indians pierce holes in their ears 

 with the last, when they propose to honour the devil with 

 some peculiar testimonies of their devotion. If any orifice 

 or aperture be made in this tree by cutting off' any of its 

 buds, a sweet vinous liquor effuses in abundance from 

 the wound, which proves an agreeable liquor to drink when 

 fresh, and in process of time becomes an excellent vinegar. 

 The wood of the branches is very agreeable to the taste, 

 and has something of the flavour of a candied citron. The 

 roots themselves are of service, and are frequently con- 

 verted into ropes. To conclude, a whole family may sub- 

 sist on, reside in, and be decently clothed by, one of these 

 Aloes." 



The common writing-paper in Cochin-China is made 

 from the bark of this tree ; of which the botanical name is 

 aquilaria, from aquila, an eagle, so named because it grows 

 in lofty places ; and from its bitter taste, also termed Wood- 

 aloes. 



Chaucer notices both the fragrance and the bitterness 

 of the Aloe-wood : 



" The woful teris that thei letin fal 

 As bittir werin, out of teris kinde. 

 For paine, as is ligne aloes, or gal." 



Troilus and Creseide, book iv. 



" My chambir is strewed with mirre and insence. 

 With sote savoring aloes and sinnamone, 

 Brething an aromatike redolence."- 



Remedie of Love. 



The great antiquity of the use ofWood-aloe as a perfume 

 is shown by the Bible : " All thy garments," says a passage 

 in the Psalms, " smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia:" 



