2 
Indian Forest Records. 
[Vol. VI 
Part I.—General. 
1. Records dealing with the gum-oleo-resin of Boswellia serrata.— 
Gamble in bis ‘Manual of Indian Timbers’ states that when the bark 
of Bosewellia serrata is wounded it exudes a green gum-resin, which 
gives an agreeable scent when burnt. Watt in his ‘ Dictionary of the 
Economic Products of India,’ page 515, Volume I, describes the gum- 
resin as a transparent golden-yellow semifluid substance, which slowly 
hardens with time. It is stated as being pungent, having a slightly 
aromatic taste and balsamic resinous odour. 
2. Uses as recorded in the past.— It is stated by Gamble to be a kind’ 
of frankincense and to be used medicinally as a diaphoretic and astringent 
and to make ointment for sores. Watt states that it is a sweet-scented 
gum burnt in religious ceremonies and sometimes used to strengthen 
iime. The same author quoting Dr. Irvine states that “ Gundabirosa ” 
is the prepared gum-oleo-resin and is similar in appearance and quality 
to Venice turpentine. An oil distilled from it is said to be used medicin¬ 
ally. The gum-resin is also made into ointment. Rai Bahadur Har 
Sarup, late Conservator of Forests, Gwalior, states that this gum-oleo- 
resin after being prepared by boiling and filtering is used in the local 
textile industry for calico-printing. 
3. Basis of enquiry. —In 1908, Mr. R. S. Troup, Forest Economist, 
started an enquiry into gums, resins and oleo-resins obtained from Indian 
trees, with a view to selecting a few of them for special enquiry after 
information of a general character had been collected as to the amount 
of raw material available. The collection of such information took 
time, and it was not until about 1912 that it was found possible to make 
a selection, of which Boswellia serrata gum-oleo-resin showed by far the 
greatest promise. The enquiry naturally falls under two distinct 
headings : the one relating to distribution of the species, method of 
tapping, outturn, value and cost of production ; and the other, the 
chemical side, which deals with the separation of the gum, turpentine 
and rosin, the analysis of the same and the necessary plant. 
Part II. Distribution, method of tapping, effect of tapping, 
cost of extraction and outturn. 
1. Distribution. 
Boswellia serrata is found widely distributed throughout the dry 
zone forests. It is found from the Sutlej extending eastwards to Nepal, 
on the outer slopes of the Umballa and Saharanpur Siwaliks. It is- 
common throughout Rajputana, Bihar and Orissa, in the Circars~ 
[ 304 ] 
