88 
THE FRANKINCENSE OF THE ANCIENTS. 
" Don's System," (i 670), and Pomatia pinnata of " Forst. Prod.," (p. 392). It is 
stated by Don to form a tree with pinnate leaves, supra-decompound, terminal 
racemes of flowers, and to be a native of the islands of Tanna and Namoka. 
The cultivation of these plants is by no means difficult, but it is necessary to 
pay attention to the following particulars : — 
The temperature required by the whole is that of a stove, where, during the 
season of growth, the plants can be liberally supplied with both heat and moisture ; 
but when they are at rest a very moderate temperature can be allowed. 
The soil, if the plants are grown in pots or tubs, should be a mixture of loam, 
peat, and very rotten dung ; but if planted out into a prepared border, peat may be 
altogether dispensed with, and a little sand added to keep the soil open. In any 
case do not break the soil small, but allow it rather to be in turfy lumps. 
Drainage is of the greatest importance ; their roots will not endure the least 
stagnation of water. Throw plenty of crocks or other rubble into the bottom of each 
pot or tub, and also mix a portion throughout the soil. 
Shade must likewise be considered one of the requisites for successful manage- 
ment, and yet the plants will not thrive if placed under the drip of other trees, or 
where they cannot enjoy the rays of the sun. Place them in such part of the house, 
that the rays may fall obliquely upon them during the hot part of the day. 
Increase by cuttings of the ripened wood planted in pots of sand, and placed 
under a glass in a moderate moist heat. 
THE FRANKINCENSE OF THE ANCIENTS. 
This fragrant gum resin, which has for ages been held in high esteem in all 
Eastern nations, is known to us by the name of Olibanum. Our supplies are derived 
both from Turkey and the East Indies ; and we receive it in the form of small 
pellucid drops or tears, of a pale-yellow colour, somewhat hard and brittle, of a 
slightly bitter and resinous taste, and of a peculiar aromatic smell. Sometimes it is 
imported in a mass, of a dull red colour, but this, being of an inferior quality, is 
probably the produce of other trees ; so that the tears are always to be preferred. 
Administered internally as medicine it is stimulant, astringent, and diaphoretic ; 
it is, however, seldom used in Britain, except to fumigate sick chambers, in 
connexion with other aromatic gums and spices. It was one of the ingredients in 
the formation of the sweet incense used in the tabernacle and temple-worship of the 
Jews, and is still used for similar purposes in both the Greek and Roman churches, 
and also in the Indian and Mahomedan temples ; although Gum Benzoin, on account 
of its cheapness, has in some places been substituted in its stead. Its value was 
formerly very great, and it formed one part of the present offered by the Magi who 
came to Bethlehem, to see the infant Messiah. 
