GUM GALBANUM. 



309 



Gum Sagapenum — is another gum-resin^ obtained in a 

 similar manner from a species of Ferula, which has not yet 

 been correctly determined. It occurs both in tears and in 

 mass ; the former is in small brownish-yellow tears adher- 

 ing together so as to form masses. The mass sagapenum 

 is soft and tough^ and of a dark yellowish-brown colour. 

 This gum has a slight smell of onions. The quantity im- 

 ported is small. 



Gum Galbanum. — A gum>resin which exudes from in- 

 cisions made in the stalk of Galbamm officinale, (Nat. 

 Ord. Umbellifem.) 



The chief interest attached to this gum arises from its 

 rarity^ the uncertainty of its native locality, and its great 

 antiquity, as an esteemed vegetable product. Thus it is 

 mentioned by Moses in Exodus xxx. 34 : And the Lord 

 said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and 

 onycha, and galbanum ; these sweet spices with pure frank- 

 incense : of each there shall be a like weight."^^ It is sup- 

 posed, without any certainty, to be a native of Syria, of 

 Persia, and of Arabia. It is either in brownish-yellow, semi- 

 transparent tears, round, and about the size of peas, or else 

 it is in agglutinated masses consisting of the tears probably 

 of an inferior quality, and usually of a darker colour, less 



