but from some generic difference, a distinct class is now assigned to it. It is called in Cyprus kenna or al-kenna, and in Arabia henna or al-henna. It is described as a plant most grateful to the eye and smell. The gently deep colour of its bark, the light green of its foliage, the softened mixture of white and yellow with which its flowers (which hang in long clusters, like those of the lilac) are coloured; the red tint of the ramifications of stalk which produce them,-all combine to produce the most agreeable effect. These flowers, whose shades are so delicate, diffuse also the sweetest odours, and embalm the gardens and the apartments which they embellish. The females take pleasure in decking themselves, and adorning their apartments with these clusters of fragrance. They hold them in their hand, carry them to the bath, and perfume their bosoms with them. With the powder of the dried leaves they give an orange-coloured tincture to their nails, to the inside of their hands, and to the soles of their feet. To this custom of adorning (rather than paring) the nails, it is probable, Deut. xxi. 12. alludes. It is also probable, that the staining the soles of the feet with the juice of this plant, is alluded to, when it said that Mephibosheth, in his grief and anxiety for David, had neglected to dress his feet, and trim his beard, and wash his clothes, 2 Sam. xix. 24. The colouring of the nails seems to bave been practised among the ancient Egyptians, for the nails of the mummies are commonly of a

reddish hue. Camphire is mentioned, in Scripture, only in Cant. i. 14. iv. 13.

Saffron.

This is among the odoriferous flowers and shrubs mentioned, Cant. iv. 14. Saffron is nothing more than the golden-coloured threads which rise in the middle of the well-known flower, meadow saffron or Crocus. These when dried are very useful in medicine, especially as a cordial. It appears that the allusion in Canticles, is to the flower in its natural state, and as such should rather have been rendered crocus; and it is probable that it there attained a much higher degree of perfection than with us, and while growing diffused a fragrant perfume.

Spikenard.

This is a fragrant grassy plant, and in India, where the best of its kind is found, it grows in large tufts of three or four feet in length, and close together. It yields a strong aromatic odour, which resides principally in the husky roots, though the whole plant is impregnated with it, so much so, that the trampling of horses or elephants passing over it, fill the air with the perfume. In the rainy season it grows rapidly, and sends up spikes about six feet high. Its flavour is warm, bitter, and pungent, somewhat resembling that of the seeds of cardamom. It is highly esteemed by the Hindoos for its medicinal qualities. They call it the fever restrainer, and administer it in all kinds of fevers. Nor was it less valued among the ancients as an article of luxury.

"The ointment of spikenard was the favourite perfume used at the baths and feasts; and, when genuine, was so costly, that as much of it as could be contained in a small box of precious stone, was considered an equivalent for a large vessel of wine; and when, according to the custom of antiquity, each guest invited furnished a part of the entertainment, a box of spikenard was considered a handsome quota. This favourite perfume is twice alluded to in the Song of Solomon: chap. i. 12. the bride says, "While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof." This was probably either the nard in the form of an essence, in a small bag or box, or the sprigs of the fragrant grass worn like a nosegay in her bosom: the latter idea is strengthened by the circumstance that all the other perfumes mentioned in this connexion were flowers in their natural state.-2. In the other mention of spikenard, Cant. iv. 13, 14. it is observable that it is twice named in a very peculiar manner, thus: "camphor with spikenard; spikenard with saffron." This favours the idea that a species of the spikenard was cultivated in Arabia and Syria, which is intended by the firstnamed article, and that the latter refers to the true Indian spikenard. However this may be, the meaning conveyed by the figure is evident, that the affections of the church flowing forth to Christ her living head, and the graces of his Spirit sanctifying her conversation and conduct, form an offering acceptable, a sweet-smelling savour.