RESINS. 431 



the upper part of it is wrapped in straw, which is then 

 set on fire, causing the juice to precipitate to the bottom 

 of the tree*, whence it flows from perforations made 

 for the purpose. The persons whose business it is to 

 collect the varnish, set out before day-break, and place 

 beneath the apertures their shells, which are not left 

 more than three hours in this situation, because the 

 heat of the sun causes too great an evaporation of the 

 juice. This, it is said, emits an odour prejudicial to 

 the health. 



Benjamin, or Benzoin, is the product of a tree 

 growing in Asia, particularly in Siarn and Sumatra. 

 The tree whence it is obtained was formerly supposed 

 to be a species of laurel, but it is now ascertained to 

 be the styrax benzoin. This tree, according to Mr. 

 Marsden, does not grow to any considerable size, and 

 is never used as timber. Its leaves are rough, crisp, 

 inclining to curl at the point, and yield a very strong 

 scent, resembling that of turpentine more than of 

 their proper gum. The flowers grow on short foot- 

 stalks, and are disposed in clusters ; these terminate 

 the branches. According to the same valuable au- 

 thority, in some places near the sea-coast of Sumatra, 

 the natives cultivate large plantations of these trees, 

 as the quickness of their growth affords them a pro- 

 bability of reaping the fruit or their industry. The 

 seeds or nuts of the tree are sown in rice-fields, and 

 afterwards require no other care than to clear away 

 the shrubs from about them. Trees of six years" 

 growth are deemed of sufficient age for affording 

 their juice ; at this period the trunk will have acquired 

 about seven or eight inches diameter. The bark is 

 then cut longitudinally, or somewhat obliquely, at the 

 origin of the principal lower branches, The juice 

 issues in a liquid form, but quickly concretes by expo 

 * Chaptal's Elements of Chemistry, 



