REED. 



GRAMINACE^. Arundo Donax. 



& word &quot; kaneh,&quot; translated &quot; reed&quot; in the original, 

 seems to refer to that botanical variety the name of 



f which we have placed at the head of this section. This 

 j L 



reed is long and light, and was formerly used for arrows. 



Perhaps for this reason it was of importance to the 

 Jews, who practised archery after the terrible defeat of Saul 

 on Mount Gilboa by the Philistines, whose archers are thought 

 to have gained them the battle. After that event, David 

 directed the use of the bow to be taught, (2 Sam. i. 18;) and 

 then possibly the reed became of more importance than for 

 merly. It furnished, however, an instrument for writing; and 

 the stem of the reed is in use at present, some of the most 

 beautiful specimens of manuscript being executed by means of 

 this material. To prepare the reeds for this purpose, the 

 perfect stems are soaked for some time, and then carefully dried, 

 being turned during the drying, by which they acquire a fine 

 brown color. The outer skin is hardened and the pith nearly 

 absorbed. When thus prepared, they will remain sharpened 

 during use for a considerable time. 



If the reed plant should become mashed or bruised, yet retain 

 its erect position, it maybe strengthened by growth; but if the 

 wind sweeps over it, or it should be broken down, it never 

 recovers itself, and is worthless. Hence the fitness of t 



le 



18 13o 



