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. 
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