Fig. [11]. The flower of the first specimen.
Fig. [12]. In the rudiment of the seed before formed, in the state given in Burman’s first drawing.
Note, It is to be observed also, that the specimens of the Cinnamon of Ceylon are probably of cultivated plants.
From all these specimens it plainly appears, that the distinction of foliis ovatis & lanceolatis does not appear well founded.
But were it otherwise, and that the leaves of the plants differed, it would by no means be a proof of any material difference in the nature or quality of the plants; as is well known to persons conversant in natural history.
Before I leave this subject of the description of the plant, it may be proper to mention, that Bauhin calls the one of these plants Cinnamomum or Canella Malabarica & Javanensis, and the other Cinnamomum Canella Zeylanica, Bauhin. pinax 408 and 409; but neither from these names, nor from his description, can any conclusive argument be formed: and that Herman, in his Hort. Lugd. Batav. 129. t. 1655. calls this Cinnamon of Ceylon Cassia Cinnamonia.
If any conjecture can arise from hence, it may be, that the Cinnamon of Ceylon was formerly, as well as that of Sumatra and Malabar, called Cassia; but that the Dutch writers, being acquainted with the excellent qualities, which the ancients ascribed to their Cinnamon, chose to add the name Cinnamon to that of Cassia: and in process of time they have found the name of Cinnamon more profitable than that of Cassia, by which we chuse to call our Canella, to our national loss of many thousands a year.
Having now given an account of the figure of these plants, and in what respect they are said herein to differ; I shall proceed to consider the pretended differences in the Canella itself; which are supposed not to be in form only, but substantial and material; and are generally understood to be so by persons supposed to be acquainted with the subject.
Mr. Ray states this matter fully in his Hist. Plant. vol. ii. p. 1560. in these words: Officinæ nostræ Cassiam ligneam a Cinnamomo seu Canella distinctam faciunt, Cassiam Cinnamomo crassiorem plerumque esse, colore rubicundiorem, substantiâ duriorem, solidiorem & compactiorem, gustu magis glutinoso, odore quidem & sapore Cinnamomum aptius referre, tamen Cinnamomo imbecilliorum & minus vegetam esse, ex accurata observatione Tho. Johnson.
From these reasons Mr. Ray draws a conclusion (I must own not very instructive), that the Cinnamon of Ceylon is Cinnamon; and the Cinnamon of Malabar, &c. is the Cassia of the shops.