THE Gum Copal, which we call Oriental Copal, is a clear, transparent Rosin, of a golden Colour, that flows from the Trunk of several Trees, of a moderate Growth, adorn'd with green Leaves, as express'd in the Figure; and with a Fruit that is like our Cucumbers, of a dark grey Colour, in which is to be found a Meal, or Flower, of a very good Taste.
Chuse this Rosin in fine Pieces, of the most beautiful yellow Colour, and largest Size that can be had, that is easy to break or crumble; and which, when put into the Fire, melts presently, and yields a Smell like that of Olibanum. This Rosin is very seldom brought into France, because its Use is little known, altho' it is often met with in both the Indies. But in the Room of this, we have another Gum Copal brought from the American Islands, which some improperly call Karabe. This Gum flows, without cutting, from the Trunk and Branches of several large Trees, like our black Poplars, that grow plentifully upon the Mountains of the Antilles, from whence it is brought along the Rivers, by means of the great Rains and Torrents of Water that pass by the Roots of these Trees, where this Gum falls naturally. Its Use is to make Varnish of, with Spirit of Wine, and to fell instead of the true Karabe, tho' very improperly, because it is scarce any thing like it; smells little when burnt, and is no ways useful to allay the Vapours: Besides, it is so like the Gum Senega, that there is nothing but the Colour, and the not dissolving in Water to discover the Difference by.