in poſſeſſion of the French laſt war; this gum being uſed inſtead of oil, which could not then be had, to burn in lamps in the boiling houſes when making ſugar. The Romiſh prieſts of this iſland uſe it likewiſe in their cenſers at funerals, and other ceremonies of their church, it having a very aromatic ſmell when burning; and it is ſuppoſed to contain virtues which might be valuable in medicines, was it better known.
The timber alſo of this tree, as well as that of feveral others in the woods, makes good ſhingles for covering of houſes, and was very ſerviceable for making ſtaves for ſugar and coffee caſks, at the time the Americans refuſed ſupplying the Engliſh colonies with them. Several fine ſloops and ſchooners have likewiſe been built of the timber of this iſland; and the veſſels that have, been built of it are eſteemed prefer-
