S U M x\ T R A. fi 



long been in ufe among the Arabs ; much is fent to China as well 

 as Europe. 



The Styrax Benzoin of Mr- Jonas Dryander *, grows chiefly BENzoiir. 

 in the Battas country, but not to a great fize. The gum is pro- 

 cured by incifion, and fent down to the ports in large cakes; a 

 vaft quantity is tranfmitted to Europe^ where in Roman Catholic 

 countries it is ufed as incenfe; the reft is a moft valuable medicine 

 as an expectorant and ftyptic, and forms the bafis of Turlington''^ 

 balfam. It is burnt in all the Malaye ifles to perfume the rooms, 

 to expel the infects, the unwholefome air, and noxious exhala- 

 tions. I am doubtful whether this tree has been well afcer- 

 tained, for Linfchotten t, who feems well acquainted with it, 

 fpeaks of it as of vaft height and fize. 



Coffee is cultivated in Sumatra, but, for want of fkill, the ber- Coffee. 

 ries are not in any efteem. 



Both the Goffypium arboreum and herhaceum, may be had Cotton, 

 here in any quantities, but for want of encouragement, no 

 niore is cultivated than ferves for the ufes of the country. 



Bombax Ceiba is planted near every village, and ftrikes the 

 eye of ftrangers by its fmgular form, being in Ihape of the 

 branches like a dumb waiter ; fo regularly do they fpread one 

 above the other. 



Ebony, Diofpyros melanoxylon |, that valued wood for furni- Ebony; 

 tnre, fo highly efteemed by our anceftors, is common here. It 

 has been known fince the days of Virgil. 



India fert ehenum, molles fua thura Sabcei. 



* Phil. Tranf. Ixxvli. p. 307. tab. xii. •}■ P. 76, 



X Flor. Coroman. tab. xlvi, 



C 2 Plin^ 



