14 FLORA DOMESTIC A. 



But high in amphitheatre above, 

 His arms the everlasting aloe threw." 



GERTRUDE OF WYOMING. 



The Abbe la Pluche gives an interesting account of the 

 Uses of the Chinese Aloe, commonly called Wood-aloes, or 

 Aloes-wood; from whence, as has been supposed, the name 

 of aloe has been transferred to the common species. 



" This Aloe," says he, " is as tall as the olive-tree, and 

 of much the same shape : there are three sorts of wood 

 contained under its bark ; the first is black, compact, and 

 heavy ; the second swarthy, and as light as touchwood ; 

 the third, which lies near the heart, diffuses a powerful 

 fragrance. The first is known by the name of eagle-wood, 

 and is a scarce commodity ; the second, calembouc-wood, 

 which is transported into Europe, where it is highly 

 esteemed as an excellent drug ; it burns like wax, and, 

 when thrown into the fire, has an aromatic odour. The 

 third, which is the heart, and called calambac, or tambac- 

 wood, is a more valuable commodity in the Indies than gold 

 itself. It is used for perfuming the clothes and the apart- 

 ments of persons of distinction ; and is a specific medicine 

 for persons affected with fainting-fits, or with the palsy *. 

 The Indians, likewise, set their most costly jewels in this 

 wood. The leaves of this tree are sometimes used instead 

 of slates for roofing houses ; are manufactured into dishes 

 and plates, and, when well dried, are fit to be brought to 

 table. If stripped betimes of their nerves and fibres, they 

 are used as hemp, and manufactured into a thread. Of 

 the points, with which the branches abound, are made nails, 

 darts, and awls. The Indians pierce holes in their ears 



* The pieces of this wood are carefully preserved in pewter boxes, 

 to prevent their drying ; when used, they are ground upon a marble 

 with such liquids as are best suited for the purpose intended. 

 HARRIS'S Natural History of the Bible, p. 9. 



