141 
The Algum or Almug-wood of Scripture may be the 
African Thuya articulata; but we have no clue to its 
identification, except that of its country, which is described 
as being Ophir, whence it was brought in plenty, with 
precious stones. (1 Kings, x. 11.) Thuya articulata, or the 
Avar tree of Barbary, yielding Sandarach, attains consi- 
derable size, and is much used, Dr. Lindley informs me, in 
the construction of mosques. 
If there be some uncertainty respecting the country of 
some of the preceding articles, there can be none about 
those which follow, as they are, and ever have been, the 
produce of India. Among these we read frequently of 
spices, certainly an indefinite term, but usually considered 
as referring to the caravan trade, bringing the pepper of 
India, with cardamoms, and perhaps ginger, all found in 
abundance, and of excellent quality, on the Malabar coast. 
Cinnamon (Hebr. kinnemon) there can be no doubt about, 
as the name appears derived, like the Greek, from the 
Malayan or Cingalese appellation (v. p. 84.), as it is stated 
by Herodotus to be so called by the Phoenicians, and said 
to grow in the country where Bacchus was educated.* 
Cassia (Hebr. kiddah) is similarly Indian. 
Spikenard (Hebr. nard) is most probably the perfume 
which was called nardos by the Greeks, and which we 
have seen, is Nardostachys Jatamansi, still employed in 
* The author of the work, entitled " The Hindoos, &c." L. E. K., in 
stating " that some writers have been led by the similarity in sound of the 
names Bdghes and Bacchus, to assume the identity of the Hindoo and the 
Greek deity so called, and have considered the present worship of Maha- 
deva or Bdghes in these regions, as a. confirmation of the supposed expe- 
dition of Bacchus into India," adds that " it should, however, be observed, 
that the similarity of the names Bacchus and Bdghes is but accidental ; the 
latter word is a modern vernacular corruption of the ancient Vyaghresa, 
which is a compound of Vydghra, " a tiger," and isa, " a master or lord." 
But is this not, rather a further confirmation, as Bacchus is represented as 
drawn in his chariot by a tiger and a lion ; and that tigers, panthers, and 
lynxes, are described as following him in his Indian journey. 
