THE ALMUG, OR ALGUM TREE OF THE ANCIENTS. 
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been made, has so far embodied our views, that little need be added ; our ideas on 
the subject are as follows : — 
That the Almug, or Algum-tree of the ancients, is neither the Gum- Arabic tree 
(Acacia vera), nor Gum Accacia tree (Acacia Arabica) ; for although the wood of these 
plants is strong, tough, and durable, and is moreover used for various useful 
purposes, yet — the trees being common, and natives of Arabia, and their timber not 
possessing any peculiar properties deserving of so special a notice as is given of that 
of the Almug- tree — it does not appear probable that either of these species of Acacia 
is the plant intended. 
That although the Almug has been understood by some writers to mean Lignum 
Thyina, the Thya, or Thyine-tree, and by others the Lignum vita — both evidently 
pointing to a pinaceous plant, thought to be some species of Cypress, Arbor vita, or 
Juniper, the wood of each of which is almost indestructible — yet the Arabian trans- 
lators do not appear to have had the same views ; they render the passage in 
1 Kings, x. 11, thus: — "And the ships of Hiram brought gold from the land of 
Hind (India) and they carried also coloured wood (this wood is naturally painted of 
various colours) and very precious jewels. And Solomon put some of that painted 
wood which was brought to him into the house of the Lord, and in his own house ; 
and with it he adorned them." This rendering of the passage is opposed to the 
supposition of the Almug being either a Cypress, Arbor vita or Juniper, especially if 
we notice that the painted wood is mentioned in connection with gold and precious 
stones, and is said to be brought by Hiram's fleet from Ophir, or Hind, whereas 
the Cypress and Juniper are natives of Arabia, and very common. 
That neither the Red Sandal- tree (Pterocarpus Santalinus), the Peacock Sandal- 
tree (Adenanthera pavonina), or the Santoor Sandal- tree (Sandoricum indicum), are 
the plants intended by the term Almug ; for although the wood of each is hard, close- 
grained, and valuable, yet no particular properties are possessed by any, that would 
entitle them to such especial notice as that recorded of the Almug ; and the uses, 
also, to which the wood is applied by the natives, would by no means favour such a 
supposition. 
Although the subject, with our present limited knowledge, does not admit of full 
and clear proof, yet perhaps more may be advanced in favour of Santalum album 
being the Almug of the ancients, than can be said of any other known plant. 
The wood is close-grained, hard, durable, of a rich yellow, with varied markings, 
possessing a peculiarly fine fragrance, and is very costly. The uses made of it by 
the native inhabitants where it grows, and in the countries to which it is exported, 
are also every way favourable ; it is used as a perfume in the same manner as Aloe- 
wood (Aquilaria agallochwm) and for making idols, musical instruments, ornamental 
boxes, cabinets, fans, necklaces, and many other fancy articles. 
It is generally believed that there were two countries of the name of Ophir ; one 
in Africa, in the land of Sofala, contiguous to Sabia or Sabsea, and not far from the 
Zambere or Cuama river ; where from the remotest antiquity there have been gold 
