ON GUM AND SUGAR TREES 



Turpentine, unlike rubber, was known to the 

 ancients, and was an extensive article of commerce 

 in classical times. The original tree from which it 

 was obtained is known as the terrebinth tree. It 

 is a native of the islands and shores of the 

 Mediterranean and western Asia. 



There are many trees, however, the sap of 

 which has this resinous property, including most 

 members of the family of conifers. The principal 

 supply of crude oil, or common turpentine, in 

 Europe, is obtained from the so-called sea pine, 

 grown largely in France. The Scotch fir, the Nor- 

 way pine, and the Corsican pine are other sources. 

 In the United States the swamp pine and the so- 

 called loblolly trees that grow in the swamps of 

 North and South Carolina and Georgia, are the 

 chief source of the commercial turpentines, 

 although various other species are more or less 

 utilized. 



A turpentine of peculiar quality that is highly 

 prized for some industrial purposes is obtained 

 from the balsam fir (Abies Balsamae), and is 

 known as Canada balsam. 



Hitherto, the producers of turpentine have been 

 found in the wild state, and no one, probably, has 

 given a thought to the possibility of developing 

 races of pines that produce an exceptional quan- 

 tity of the resin- and turpentine-forming juices. 



[257] 



