Page:The History of the Island of Dominica.djvu/37

 in poeion of the French lat war; this gum being ued intead of oil, which could not then be had, to burn in lamps in the boiling houes when making ugar. The Romih priets of this iland ue it likewie in their ceners at funerals, and other ceremonies of their church, it having a very aromatic mell when burning; and it is uppoed to contain virtues which might be valuable in medicines, was it better known.

The timber alo of this tree, as well as that of feveral others in the woods, makes good hingles for covering of houes, and was very erviceable for making taves for ugar and coffee caks, at the time the Americans refued upplying the Englih colonies with them. Several fine loops and chooners have likewie been built of the timber of this iland; and the veels that have, been built of it are eteemed able