Chap. 25 (12.) β 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;493 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,494 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.