_Ammoniacum_, called _Feshook_ in Arabick, is produced from a plant similar to the European fennel, but much larger. In most of the plains of the interior, and particularly about El Araiche, and M’sharrah Rummellah, it grows ten feet high. The Gum Ammoniac is procured by incisions in the branches, which, when pricked, emit a lacteous, glutinous juice, which being hardened by the heat of the sun, falls on the ground, and mixes with the red earth below: hence the reason that Gum Ammoniac of Barbary does not suit the London market. It might, however, with a little trouble, be procured perfectly pure, by spreading mats under the shrubs to receive the gum as it falls. The gum in the above mentioned state, is used in all parts of the country for cataplasms and fumigations. The sandy light soil which produces the Gum Ammoniac, abounds in the north of Marocco. It is remarkable, that neither bird nor beast is seen where this plant grows, the vulture only excepted.[121] It is, however, attacked by a beetle,[122] having a long horn proceeding from its nose, with which it perforates the plant, and makes the incisions whence the gum oozes out. [Illustration:_Plate 7._ _(Fashook) Gum Ammoniac Plant._ _Drawn by J. G. Jackson._ _Engraved J. C. Stadler._ _London Published June 4. 1811. by G. & W. Nicholl Pall Mall._] [Illustration:_Plate 8._ _(Dibben Fashook,) Gum Ammoniac Fly._ _Drawn by J. G. Jackson._ _Engraved J. C. Stadler._ _London Published June 4. 1811. by G. & W. Nicholl Pall Mall._]