G8 CAMPIIIRE. 



siderable portion of the nail was removed before the natural 

 color appeared. But its use is perhaps not altogether the 

 result of caprice ; for some writers speak of a quality in the 

 extract which has the effect of restraining perspiration and 

 producing a healthful and comfortable coolness. 



Dioscorides speaks of it under the name cupros, or cypros ; 

 and Pliny says that the best qualities were brought from 

 Ascalon, in the neighborhood of which, in later times, Clusius 

 found it growing abundantly. Some of the caliphs dyed their 

 beards with henna, following the example of Mohammed. It 

 is quite probable that this henna is the camphire of Solomon s 

 Song. 



The gum-camphor is obtained from a large tree, a native of 

 Sumatra and Borneo. The gum is found in quantities, and is 

 supposed to be the residue after the evaporation of an oil fre 

 quently found in cavities of the tree. Of the two kinds the 

 names of which are given at the head of this section, the dryo- 

 balanops is the more precious, being harder and less volatile ; 

 but it seldom reaches Europe, the limited supply being ex 

 hausted by the mandarins of Japan and China. 



The Scripture references to the camphire are but two; and 

 those are found in the Song of Solomon i. 14, iv. 13, where the 

 far-spreading fragrance of the flower is alluded to, and made 

 typical of the pervading influence of the Church under the 

 title of a bride adorned in her loveliness and attractions and 

 a delight to all around through the fragrance of her character 

 and acts. 



The henna is represented in the third plate. 



