86 



a bifurcation, others running to the excess of four-prongs. 

 Was it possible that the resin of the younger plant might 

 be comparatively inodorous, whilst that scented from the 

 mature tree was fully endowed with an aromatic essential oil. 

 Dr. Watson showed a green leaf of the plant, and also 

 a diagram of the sections of the branch and root, as seen 

 through a lens, together with a drawing of the shrub. He 

 also stated the specific gravity of the resin to-be 1.234, 

 which is much higher than that of amber, which Liebig 

 states at 1.065, to which fossil pseudo-balsam it bore some 

 general resemblance, but which disappeared on analysis. 



The chemical constitution of the resin was given, as 

 ascertained upon examination of a small portion only, by 

 the kindness of Dr. Brett, at the laboratory of the Royal 

 Institution. Dr. Watson considered that the article might 

 very likely prove of commercial value sufficient to remu- 

 nerate any persons for gathering both the shrub and its 

 resinoid, as it might be yet found useful in the healing, or 

 social arts. 



The President hoped that the subj ect would be further pur- 

 sued, as it was likely to prove an interesting field for research. 



Mr. Guthrie was present, and, in reply to questions 

 from members as to the probable quantity of the article, 

 stated that he considered there was a good deal, and that 

 he could have got bags full of it if he had then known its 

 interest or value. He presented a specimen to the Society, 

 for the museum of the Royal Insti tution, having a root attach- 

 ed, showing its rocky habitat, also a specimen of the resin. 



Dr. Watson has subsequently obtained another of the 

 pieces, and his friend Dr. Brett has analysed it ; the results 

 of the examination, as being verifications and extensions 

 of the first essay, are now given as follow : — 



Physical Characters. — It is translucent; of a pale 

 yellowish colour when dry, resembling ordinary specimens 

 of amber or gum arabic, but of a greenish tinge when 



