86 Captain Munro on the Timber Trees of Bengal. 



and is, indeed, very closely allied to that wood in appearance, 

 with the grain rather closer, although much inferior in 

 strength and elasticity. The best specimen broke, with Cap- 

 tain Baker, with 580 lb., and the worst with 500 lb. It is 

 a common tree in most parts of India, generally found on 

 hills about 2000 feet in height. It also grows in the Soon- 

 derbunds. The timber is supposed to resist water and worms 

 better than Teak. As it will not bear much stress, it is com- 

 monly used for light work, such as the cylinders of drums, 

 carriage panels, decks of budgerows, and turnery. Although 

 more durable than many woods, and not subject to warping, 

 it can scarcely be called a valuable timber ; and, from its re- 

 semblance to Teak, might be used in mistake for that wood, 

 where serious consequences would ensue. 



3. Dhamum or Dangan. — This was discovered by Mr 

 Griffith to be an undescribed species, and was called by him 

 Hemigymnia Macleodii. Of the same order with the Teak, it 

 is very dissimilar, in its great elasticity. I am not aware of 

 any other locality for its growth than the forest about Sconie, 

 between Jubbulpore and Kamptee. The tree has a peculiar 

 appearance, and can be distinguished at a long distance in 

 the jungle. I have seen excellent fishing-rods made out of 

 it, and good-sized timber could be at times procured. I be- 

 lieve the timber to be excellent ; but as, according to our 

 present information, it grows at such a long distance from 

 water-carriage, except by the Nerbudda, it cannot be looked 

 upon as likely to be of much consequence in commerce. I 

 imagine, from observation, the tree to be of slow growth, and 

 that it would require thirty years to come to perfection, if it 

 should be thought desirable to encourage its cultivation on 

 the low hills which approach the Ganges. There is no good 

 specimen of the wood in the collection of the Horticultural 

 Society, and it would be very desirable to procure one. 



4 and 5. There are two other woods of this family produced 

 in Goalpara, Chikaghumbaree, — Premna hircina, and Buk- 

 dholi, Premna flavescens^ — which, from Mr Kyd's experiments, 

 would appear to be very durable wood, but are not, I believe, 

 possessed of any other valuable properties. 



6. S^dl. — Valeria robusta, W. and A. — Shorea robusta, Roxb. 



