154 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES. 



it twists or convolves, as it dries, into the 

 form of a hollow stick or cane, and by thus 

 exhaling its superfluous humidity, it ac- 

 quires a sweet brisk smell, and a sharp pun- 

 gent taste. Some of the trees produce a 

 blossom as red as scarlet; and Seba tells us, 

 that he has found them with a blue flower. 



The blossoms of the cinnamon are small, 

 and generally white; they grow in large 

 bunches at the extremity of the branches ; 

 their perfume is something like that of the 

 lily of the valley. The leaf is longer and nar- 

 rower than that of the common bay-tree; the 

 body grows to twenty or thirty feet in height. 



The fruit or berries are said to be an 

 excellent carminative. When boiled in water, 

 they yield an oil, which, as it cools, hardens, 

 and becomes as white and firm as tallow, and 

 is called cinnamon wax, of which they made 

 candles, that were only allowed to be burnt 

 in the king's palace. 



When the Dutch possessed Ceylon, they 

 were so jealous of these trees, which afforded 

 them such a valuable article of commerce, 

 that the fruit and young plants were forbid- 

 den, by an order of the States, to be sent 

 from thence, lest other powers should avail 



