Amber

Amber is the name of a fossil gum: we say "a fossil gum" because it seems to be the remains of a former age. From its peculiar qualities, the Romans called it electrum.

This gum is found in the ground; and, as it seems to be a crystallized substance, it is called a mineral.

Amber was originally generated from a species of pine and fir tree, just as turpentine is now produced from certain pine and fir trees in our country.

As the gum oozed out of the trees, it flowed down to the roots of the trees, where it lay in large deposits.

A forest undisturbed for centuries would produce extensive fields of this gum.

The excavations and explorations around the Black Sea reveal the fact that its shores were covered by vast forests of pine and fir trees, and that centuries ago the forests were submerged and covered up, as in this place amber is found in larger quantities than elsewhere. It is used largely for ornaments worn by ladies, and for many things it is more valuable than gold.

Smokers use amber as mouthpieces for pipes, and very large quantities of it are sent to China to be made into idols, etc.