CHAP. 56.—GALBANUM.

Syria produces galbanum too, which grows upon the same mountain of Amanus: it exudes from a kind of giant-fennel[1] of the same name as the resin, though sometimes it is known as stagonitis. The kind that is the most esteemed is cartilaginous, clear like hammoniacum, and free from all ligneous substances. Still, however, it is sometimes adulterated with beans, or with sacopenium.[2] If ignited in a pure state, it has the property of driving away serpents[3] by its smoke, It is sold at five denarii per pound, and is only employed for medicinal purposes.

1. A shrub of the family of Ombelliferæ, belonging to the genus bubon. It is a native of Asia Minor and Syria.

2. See B. xix. c. 52, and B. xx. c. 75.

3. This was a common notion with the Romans. Virgil, Georg. B. iii. 1. 415, says:— "Galbaneoque agitare graves nidore chelydros." Though considered to produce a pleasant perfume by the ancients, it is no longer held in estimation for that quality, and is only employed in some slight degree for medical purposes.