316 ODOROGRAPHIA. 



acorin with ether, was separated a small quantity of a strongly 

 basic crystalline alkaloid, soluble in alcohol, chloroform and 

 acetone, and insoluble in w^ater and ether. It has been named 

 " calamine.'' 



The rhizome of Iris Fseudo-acorus (Yellow- Water Iris) some- 

 times occurs as an adulterant to Acorus Calamus, but it may be 

 easily recognised by its darker colour, different structure, astringent 

 taste, and absence of aroma. The rhizome should be gathered in 

 early spring or late in the autumn, and dried quickly. On the 

 banks of the Thames it is usually gathered early in May for the 

 London market. 



The odour of Acorus calavius is developed in the bark of Croton 

 Malambo, Krst., a Columbian plant belonging to the Natural Order 

 EupliorUacece.* 



Souchet. 



The French name " Souchet " is applied to the dried tuberous 

 roots of several species of Cyperus, which, on account of their 

 aromatic properties, are used as perfumes. The genus Cyperacem 

 (Sedges), contains an immense number of species, widely distributed 

 over the warmer parts of the earth, and gradually disappearing as 

 the extremes of north and south are reached. Many of these sedges 

 are found in damp marshy places. Some are valuable for covering 

 the sand and loose soil on the borders of rivers and streams, 

 protecting the banks from being washed away by the current.f 

 Some species are useful for textile purposes, for making ropes, 

 mats, and for covering the floors of houses, and some are used in 

 medicine. Their cellular tissue is sometimes used for paper and 

 the tubers and underground stems of several species are used for 

 food. Amongst the odorous species are : — 



* Pharm. Journ., [1], iii., p. 169 ; Ibid, [2], i., p. 321, and vi., p. 255. See 

 also Bentley's Man. Bot., p. 635. 



t Lindley, Veg. King., 118. 



