40 



CASE ^enus ; that from Arabia is probably afforded by C. Myrrha, 

 21. Engl., C. Opobalsamum, Engl., and C. sim'plicifolia, 

 Schweinf. A.^ it exudes from the tree, Myrrh is at first 

 soft, of an oily nature, and of a yellowish colour. It 

 ultimately hardens, changing from a golden tint to a 

 reddish brown. Most of the Myrrh finds its way to 

 Bombay, where it is sorted and re-shipped to Europe and 

 elsewhere. Myrrh is used in medicine as a stimulant, 

 tonic, and expectorant, and also as a wash for strengthen- 

 ing the gums. Its use as an ingredient in incense and 

 perfumes dates from high antiquity. " It entered into 

 the composition of the holy oil in use by the Jews, and 

 also into the Kyphi of the Egyptians, which was usrl 

 in fumigations, and for embalming," &c. 



No. 118. Balsam of Mecca. This oleo-resin is 

 supposed to be the produce of Commiphora [^Balsamodoi- 

 dron] Opohalsamum, Engl. It is a greenish, viscid, turbid 

 liquid, with an agreeable odour when fresh, thickening 

 and becoming of a yellowish colour with age. It is the 

 Balsamum of the Romans and wonderful properties were 

 formerly attributed to it, but its use has become obsolete 

 in Europe. In the East, however, it is still esteemed for 

 its fragrance and medicinal properties. The plant is said 

 to be extinct in India and Egypt where it formerly grew. 

 The present small supply is obtained from Arabia. 



Observe specimens of Indian Bdellium from Cojnini- 

 phora Mukul, Engl., African Bdellium from G. 

 africanum^ Engl., BisSA BoL from C. Kataf^ Engl., and 

 HOTAI from C, Playfairii (Balsamodendron Playfairii, 

 Hook. /.). 



Further light is still needed as regards the true sources 

 of these resins ; and specimens of the shrubs (in flower 

 or fruit) which furnish them, accompanied by a sample 

 of the product, would be greatly valued. 



Other resinous products are exhibited in this case. 

 Amongst them Carana, a gum-resin, possibly that of 

 Protium Carana, March, extracted by the Maquiritare 

 and Piaroa Indians on the Orinoco. Used in medicine for 

 plasters. 



No. 119. Hyawa Gum {Protium heptaphylliim , 

 March). Used as incense in British Guiana. 



