212 ODOROGRAPHIA. 
in the best lexicons, is derived from the same Arabic root which 
furnishes the derivative Zakhira, a common term in India for 
stored-up forage, etc. The name Fenum Camelorum signifies 
its use as a forage for Camels. It is a native of Arabia, growing 
plentifully in the Desert and in the hot, arid regions of Algeria. 
The Arabians call it ‘ Helsi Meccavi” and ‘‘ Idhir Mecchi.” 
It is said that in the deserts between Syria and Egypt it is the 
only grass eaten by camels. This plant has a wide distribution 
but is not cultivated. It is found growing on the lower Hima- 
layan tracts and in Thibet at an altitude of 11,000 feet, extending 
through the plains of the North-west Provinces to Sind. Rox- 
burgh says it grows in large tufts, each tuft composed of a 
number of plants adhering together by the roots. This descrip- 
tion corresponds with Pomet’s figure alluded to above. It is 
common about Kurrachee, and is used as a perfume by the 
natives. Lemery, commenting on Pomet, says that this Menum 
Camelorum is a kind of fragrant rush or grass growing plentifully 
in Arabia Felix at the foot of Mount Libanus, where it serves 
for fodder and litter for the camels. The stalk is about a foot 
high, divided into several hard stems, of the size, figure, and 
colour of barley-straw, being much smaller towards the top. The 
leaves are about half a foot long, narrow, rough, pointed, of a 
pale-green colour. The flowers growing on the top are arranged 
in double order, small, hairy, of a carnation colour, .... all 
the plant, and particularly the flower, is of a strong smell and 
bitter taste. This plant is also figured in Plukenett’s ‘ Phyto- 
graphia,’ 1691, tab. 109. fig. 1. 
The yield of oil from the fresh plant is said to be 1 per cent. 
A sample of the oil, distilled by Dr. Dymock of Bombay, has 
been examined by Messrs. Schimmel with the following result :— 
Its odour recalls that of Elemi oil; its sp. gr. is 0°915; its 
optical rotation +384°38/. It boils between 170° and 250°C., 
and contains Phellandrene. 
The Andropogon laniger has recently been discovered in British 
Baluchistan by J. H. Lace, Deputy Commissioner of Forests of 
India. In his valuable paper on the “ Vegetation of the Hurnai 
Railway Route,” recently read before the Linnean Society of 
London,* he mentions having found it covering large tracts of 
land on the lower hills. 
* Journ, Linn. Soe. xxviii. p. 293. 
