SANTAL. 315 
CHAP TR XIV. 
SANTAL,—CEDAR. 
SANTAL. 
Dr. Bertuotp Srremann, the botanist, in calling attention to 
the commercial importance of Santal wood (sometimes called 
“ Sandal,” “ Yellow Sandal,” and ‘Santal Citrin”) remarked 
that “the trade in this fragrant wood has been going on since 
the dawn of history and will probably not cease until the con- 
nection between santal trees and idolators, existing from time 
immemorial, shall have been broken up, by either the one or the 
other becoming as extinct a race as the Archeopteryx or the Dodo.” 
The religious sentiment of millions of human beings is still 
intimately associated with this wood. Some of the most ancient 
records inform us of the prominent part played by the wood in 
India; and since the introduction of Buddhism into China, that 
country, destitute of santal trees, has become the principal 
market for this important production. A piece of wood the 
diameter of 4 to 6 inches is considered as the most acceptable 
offermg a person can make to the idols of the temple. Large 
pieces are presented by the rich on particular occasions. 
Santal wood is the product of several species of the genus 
Santalum, of the natural order Santalacee. The genus is com- 
posed of about 20 species, spread over Asia, Australia, and 
Polynesia, and in habit may be compared with the Myrtles. It 
is possible that other species now said to exist in Madagascar 
and New Guinea may be recognized by botanists. The East- 
Indian santal wood and probably also the so-called Macassar 
santal wood are furnished by Santalum albun, Linn.* It is 
= Sp. Pl leds Walld. asp, Gol. 
