CA'LAMUS is the genus of palms whose different species constitute the rattan canes of commerce.
The species are principally found in the hotter parts of the East Indies, where they grow -in the forests, climbing over trees and bushes to a greater extent than ahy other known plants. The stem of Calannts vents is described its being 100 feet long; that of C oblongus 300 to 400, of C: rudentum upward:, of 500, and of C. atensus as much as 60C feet ; Rumphitte even states that one kind of Calamns attains the extraordinary length of 1,200 feet. It is closely Covered over by the tubular bases of the leaves, through which it is drawn by the cane-gatherers when green ; afterwards it is dried in thh sun, and then is ready for market. From three to four mil lions of these Canes are imported into this country manually: They are extensively used for the sake Of the hard flinty coating of their stems, which are readily split into strips; from which the bottoms of chairs and similar articles tire Manufactured: It is not Possible to say from what particular species the canes of the shops are obtained, it being probable that many are gathered indiscriminately. The
flesh that surrounds the seeds is a delicate article of food ; and the young shoots of some of the spedies while still tender, are roasted or boiled, chbpped small, and, being fried with pepper and grail', are said to furnish a very delicate dish.
The greater part of the Dragon's Blood now met with in commerce is obtained from seve ral species of thiS genus. They are natives only of Hindustan; Cochin China, and the Moluccas. The ripe fruits are covered with a reddish-brown, dry, resinous substance. In this state they are collected, and allowed to remain till the resin drops off. The resin is afterwards melted, either by the natural warmth of the air or by artificial heat: and then moulded into the different forms in which it occurs in commerce: Dragon's Blood pos sesses no astringent properties, as was once supposed to be the case, owing to kino being confounded with it. It is now seldom used internally, but it is added to tooth-powders. It is however employed as a colouring matter and an ingredient in varnishes.