CHAP. 25. (12.)—COSTUS.
A root and a leaf, however, are the productions which are
held in the very highest estimation in India. The root is that
of the costus; [Note] it has a burning taste in the mouth, and a
most exquisite odour; in other respects, the branches are good
for nothing. In the island of Patale, [Note] situate at the very
mouth of the river Indus, there are two kinds of costus found,
the black and the white; the last is considered the best. The
price of it is five denarii per pound.
