CALAMUS. 



(Stceet Calamus Sweet Cane.) 



Andropogon. Calamus aromaticus. 



plant bears the various titles found in Scripture 

 which we have given above. It seems originally to have 

 been brought from India; as the Venetians, who used 

 the variety in their treacle, which became celebrated 

 for its excellence, never concealed the name of the land 

 whence it was obtained. The merchants repeated the report 

 that it was found about Mount Lebanon ; but of this there 

 was no proof, as the fragrant rush found there, called camels 

 hay, bears little resemblance in character to the calamus, which 

 carne from a distant country and was considered equal with 

 the best spices of the Scripture. It was very valuable : hence 

 the reference of the prophet : &quot; Thou hast bought me no sweet 

 cane witli money ; neither hast thou filled me with the fat of 

 thy sacrifices.&quot; The camels hay or fragrant rush spoken of is 

 thus described by Hasselquist : &quot; It is a schcenanthus, grows 

 in the deserts of both the Arabias : it is gathered near Limbo, 

 a port in Arabia Petrsea, and exported to Egypt. The Vene 

 tians buy it in Egypt, as it enters into the composition of Venice 

 treacle. This was undoubtedly one of the aromatic sweet 

 plants which the Queen of Sheba gave to Solomon, being to 



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