CHAPTER VI

Summary

The Anil, otherwise called Indigo is found only in the kingdom of Cambaye and Surat. It is a herb that grows like rosemary, and comes up from seed; when gathered it is dried, then steeped and dried again several times until it becomes blue. It is greatly prized as a dye, and is one of the best commodities of the Indies.

Ambergris is produced from the sea, and chiefly under the Torrid Zone; I have seen great quantities of it at the Maldives, where it is found on the sea-beach. None of the natives of the countries visited by me know for certain whence it comes or how it grows. It is only known that it comes from the sea.

Musk comes from China alone. It proceeds from a little animal of the size of a cat. To get the musk they kill this animal, and beat it all over in its skin, and so let it rot; when rotten they make little purses of the skin, and fill them with the flesh, minced small, and thus sell it. The Chinese drive a great trade in this commodity, but they mix and adulterate it, like everything else that comes from their hands. Wherefore, it is never seen in its pure and natural state.