192 ODOROGRAPHIA. 
to 40 centimetres in diameter round the trunk. The leaves and 
leaf-stalks of the young branches are glabrous; the leaves are 
nearly opposite, oblong-ovate, obtuse, the largest bemg from 11 to 
14 centimetres in length by 5 to 7 centimetres in width, but often 
much smaller, coriaceous, shining, and of a bright green above, 
glaucous beneath. Besides the middle vein of the leaf, there are 
two other veins on each side of it, also starting from the stalk, 
rounded to the shape of the edge of the leaf to nearly its ex- 
tremity. The leaves on drying acquire a reddish-brown colour, 
due to the oxidation of the essential oil contained in them. The 
small flowers are disposed in terminal panicles, appearing in 
January and February ; their strong perfume resembling a mix- 
ture of rose and lilac*. The berry is of a deep purplish-brown 
colour, shaped like an acorn, enclosed at the base by the calyx. 
It contains a soft green pulp and one seed. The berry ripens in 
August, and is gathered by the natives for the purpose of extracting 
the oil from the seed. 
The locality most suitable to the cultivation of the finest variety 
of the cinnamon tree is situated im the south-west of the Island of 
Ceylon, between Negumbo, Colombo, and Matura. The prin- 
cipal plantations are in the immediate neighbourhood of Colombo, 
within little more than half a mile of the Fort, occupying a tract 
of country upwards of ten miles in length. The road, commencing 
at the west gate of the Fort, and returning by the south gate, 
makes a winding circuit through the woods. 
The soil of these cinnamon gardens is mostly of a loose white 
sand over a rich sub-soil of sandy loam mixed with decayed 
vegetable matter. The situations most suitable to the growth of 
the cinnamon tree appear to be those which are fully exposed to 
the sun, but yet sheltered from the wind. Such shelter appears 
to contribute to its luxuriance, as it is found to grow with unusual 
vigour near to houses. When the ground is prepared for planting 
cinnamon, the low brushwood and young trees are cut down, 
but lofty trees are allowed to remain at intervals, as it is found 
that the tender plants thrive better under their shade than when 
exposed to the direct rays of the sun. The planting usually takes 
place at the end of autumn, when the seeds are ripe. A line is 
stretched across the ground, and guided by it the planter turns up 
about a foot square at intervals of 6 or 7 feet. The brushwood 
and branches having been previously burned, their ashes are then 
* These flowers are not as yet utilized, but their perfume is well known. 
