Page:The Periplus of the Erythræan Sea.djvu/120



24. Saffron (Crocus sativus, Linn., order Iridaceae).—The part that entered into trade was the stamens and pistils of the flower, which were used medicinally, as a paint or dye, a seasoning in cookery, and a perfume or ingredient of ointments.

As a perfume, halls, theatres and courts were strewed with the