r_, so
called because the particles are not larger than a rice-kernel, and the
last quality is _golden dregs_, in the shape of powder. These names are
still now used by the Chinese traders on the west coast of Sumatra. The
_Pen-ts'au Kang-mu_ further informs us that the Camphor Baros is found in
the trunk of a tree in a solid shape, whilst from the roots an oil is
obtained called _Po-lut_ (Pa-lut) _incense_, or _Polut balm_. The name of
Polut is said to be derived from the country where it is found (Baros.)"
--H. C] It is just to remark, however, that in the _Ain Akbari_ we find the
price of the Sumatran Camphor, known to the Hindus as _Bhim Seni_, varying
from 3 rupees as high as 2 mohurs (or 20 rupees) for a rupee's weight,
which latter price would be _twice_ the weight in gold. Abul Fazl says the
worst camphor went by the name of _Balus_. I should suspect some mistake,
as we know from Garcias that the fine camphor was already known as _Barus_.
(_Ain-i-Akb._ 75-79.)

(_Mas'udi_, I. 338; _I.B._ IV. 241; _J.A._ ser. IV. tom. viii. 216;
_Lane's Arab. Nights_ (1859), III. 21; _Battalaender_, I. 107; _Crawf.
Hist._ III. 218, and _Desc. Dict._ 81; _Hedde et Rondot, Com. de la
Chine_, 36-37; _Chin. Comm. Guide; Dr. F.A. Flueckiger, Zur Geschichte des
Camphers_, in _Schweiz. Wochenschr. fuer Pharmacie_, Sept., Oct., 1867.)

NOTE 4.--An interesting notice of the Sago-tree, of which Odoric also
gives an account. Ramusio is, however, here fuller and more accurate:
"Removing the first bark, which is but thin, you come on the wood of the
tree which forms a thickness all round of some three fingers, but all
inside this is a pith of flour, like that of the _Carvolo_ (?). The trees
are so big that it will take two men to span them. They put this flour
into tubs of water, and beat it up with a stick, and then the bran and
other impurities come to the top, whilst the pure flour sinks to the
bottom. The water is then thrown away, and the cleaned flour that remains
is taken and made into _pasta_ in strips and other forms. These Messer
Marco often partook of, and brought some with him to Venice. It resembles
barley bread and tastes much the same. The wood of this tree is like iron,
for if thrown into the water it goes straight to the bottom. It can be
split straight from end to end like a cane. When the flour has been
removed the wood remains, as has been said, three inches thick. Of this
the people make short lances, not long ones, becau