The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-11-12
Interesting Discovery at the West.
OFFICE SUp'r INDIAN AFFAIRS,

FoRT SMITH, Ark, Oct. 20, 1854.
6IR-I have the honor to bring to yoar notice
Arabic, discovered by DR.. G. g. Shumard, physician
and gsologist to the Lake expedition, commanded
by Capt Marcy, u. 8. A., to the regions Of the
source Of the Big Wachita and Brazos rivers, in the
The enclosed specimens, done up in tin box 6
or cz) OF gnnl musq1ite, are for samples, and
sent for yeur Inspection and use. The remarkable
similarity Of taste, appearance and muciIagnous
qualities Of this gum to that Of guc1 arabic, in
dueed DR.. Shumard to make some experiments. the
result Of which proving satisfaction y, he caused some
20 Ire. to be gathered, which was brought home on
his retsrn, some ten days past.
Upon dining one ounce OF this gum in two
ounces Of cold water l bad o fine glutinous paste,
which have used in sealing envelopes and other
Eacksges. have also cansed it 10 be mixed with
stare in the application To linen and in both in.
stances have NO hesitation in saying that IL is equal
10 the article of which itmust soon become popu-
lar substitute. In this frat form the Indian Depart.
uent, you vii perceive, is permitted the privilege
Of its 6rst official use. It viii be seen that its ad
hetive CT glutinous qualities cannot be exceed, as
hare sealed up the box With it and will use it on
ice outward envelope. Should this gum prove as val
liable in form Of muc.laginous preparation. for the
and should it command one half the present prices
paid for gum arabic the gathering IL would afford
employment for and support Of thousands Of the
II win become valuable article Of traffic on the
western frontier.
The difference in shade and color of tine va-ions
specimens will be accounted for in DR.. Shum ard's
note, herewith enclosed. and to which beg leave to
refer you for further. particulars. Very respectful
y, Jour obsdient servant,
THos. s. DREW, Sup, &c.
Hon. George W. hsnypenny, Commissioner Indian
Fort SMITH, Oct. ls, 1854.
SIh-i cheerfuly comply with your request to
furnish, for the use Of the Indian Department,
short description Of the gum mczqute, discovered
during our recent expedition TO the head waters OF
the Big Wachits and BRACES rivers.
THIS gum. for which, propose the name Of gum
Mezquite, IL believed to occur in insxhaustble
quantities. and viii no doubt prove valuable source
the adjacent Indian territory, besides afordinQ
employ ment to the different Indians now rowing
upon the plains, many Of whom would no doub. be
gao 70 gather and deliver it to the different frontier
posts for . very small compens atom. eN
The mezquite tree, from which this sum ia oh.
tanned, is by far the most abund snt tree OF the
Plains covering thousands Of miles Of the surface,
AID always hourshes most luxuriantly in elevated
anddry regions. The gum oxudes spontaneously ia
. semtfuid state from the bark Of the trunk and
hfaNc hes, and soon hardens by exposure to the az
mosrhere forming more or less round and variously
soiored masses, weigasg, each, from few grains
upon exposure TO the light Of the sue, finally be-
eoing nearly cooress, serlitrans osrenr, and often
Miled with miau,e 6ssurss. Specimens collected from
- trunks OF the trees were generally found to DO
ed rom the branches.
The gum may be collected during the months Of
Sey, August nnd September; but the most favor
see period FOR that purpose Is In the latter part Of
Al9ust, when it may be obtained iu the gre a.est
~ Gance. and With but little trouble. the guam
nsy Yielded BY each tree / found to vary from an
49, % tnree pounds: but i1cisions IN the bark not
nee e yield much greater amount. As il ia, q
3ooc ITO would probably be able to collect from
zen 20 twenty pounds In . day. Wore incisions re.
famed. Do w
abave thns presented few Of the leading facts
connected With this interesting discovsrv- ShonI5
you DEERE sta further information upon lie subject.
- wiz gSye me great pleasure to furnish h.
AM, With nDah respect, your oLedient serv>,t
GEO. @. SHUxARp.
Superintendent Indian Agency,