=Mastic= exudes from the mastic-tree (_Pistacia lentiscus_), and is
principally obtained from Chios, in the Grecian Archipelago. It runs
freely when an incision is made in the body of the tree, but not
otherwise. It occurs in the form of nearly colourless and transparent
tears of a faint smell, and is soluble in alcohol as well as oil of
turpentine, forming a rapidly-drying but alterable varnish, which
becomes brittle and dark-coloured by age.
=Benzoin.=--This is the produce of the American tree _Laurus benzoin_,
and also of the _Styrax benzoin_ of Sumatra, which is called "gum
benjamin"; it is used in polishes and varnishes, and as a cosmetic, and
is also burnt as incense in Catholic churches.
=Copal= is one of the most valuable of gums, and is furnished by many
countries in the districts of Africa explored by Mr. H. M. Stanley, the
discoverer of Livingstone. Copal is found in a fossil state in very
large quantities. The natives collect the gum by searching in the sandy
soil, mostly in the hilly districts, the country being almost barren,
with no large tree except the Adansonia, and occasionally a few thorny
bushes.
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