47 
Rev. F. W. Hope on Succinic Insects. 
they are, however, on analysis, sufficiently distinct, and it is desi- 
rable that we should apply the terms properly. The chief gums 
imported into England are those of Arabia and Senegal, besides 
various others of inferior qualities from different quarters of the 
globe. None of them which have come under my notice contain 
insects, nor can I learn, by investigation or inquiry, if they have been 
observed by others in like substances.* Resins differ from gums 
in being insoluble in water; but, with some few exceptions, are 
soluble in alcohol, especially if assisted with heat. The only resins 
to which I wish to draw your attention, are those named Copal and 
Animk, as they are the only resins which are reported to contain 
insects. 
Copal. 
Copal appears to be the Mexican term for gum, and is applied 
by the South Americans indiscriminately to all odorous gums as 
well as resins. It is said to be imported partly from South Ame- 
rica, and partly from India, and the tree which produces it in New 
Spain, according to Piso, is the Hymencea Courbaril. It is pro- 
bable also that other species of Hymencea 4 produce Copal, as it is 
obtained from various parts of South America, and varies greatly 
in colour and specific gravity. It is a matter of doubt with me if 
Copal is ever found in the East Indies, as I think invariably it has 
been confounded with Animk, a substance closely resembling it. 
Copal is found in rounded lumps of a moderate size, and is re- 
ported, like amber, to contain insects^ imbedded in its substance; as 
far, however, as I have had any opportunity of examining it, (some- 
times in large quantities,) I have never yet met with insects in- 
closed therein. In support of the above opinion, that Copal con- 
tains no insects, I add the testimony of Mr. Strong of Long- Acre, 
one of the first varnish-makers in London, whose attention has 
long been directed to insects contained in resins, and his unique 
and superb collection (the result of fifty years' labour) affords no 
* My friend Colonel Sykes certainly possesses a small snake entangled in gum 
arabic, which he removed from the tree (Mimosa Arabica) himself ; and insects of 
course may be entangled in a similar manner; but it is probable they will rarely, 
if ever, be found in masses which fall to the earth, since, from the soluble nature of 
gum, they would necessarily be dissipated by successive showers. 
t Hernandes describes eight species of trees producing Copal. 
t Observe, I do not assert that South American Copals never contain insects. I 
think it probable they may ; up to the present moment, however, I have not been 
able to prove it. Should they eventually be found in it, 1 have little doubt that the 
insects will indicate the American type, as those of Anime exemplify the Indian 
form. 
