1922.] LOCAL WOODS. 119 



No. 4 is a centre section through a roundwood Purpleheart 

 (Peltogyne porphyrocardia Grisb) pile. As is shown, it was severely 

 attacked at the water level, but though the sapwood was much 

 damaged, the heartwood was not penetrated. This wood is hard, 

 strong and durable, but unfortunately somewhat brittle and therefore 

 more subject to transverse fracture, which defect may appear when 

 driving, or from excessive vibration. It is readily obtainable in large 

 sizes and if driven in the round log, i.e. with the sapwood not removed, 

 the possibilities of fracture may be reduced. 



No. 5 is a centre section of a waney Greenheart pile. This is not 

 a local wood, and in any case is too well known to make it necessary to 

 enlarge on its suitability for the purpose for which it was used. Its 

 inclusion in the photograph is interesting for purposes of comparison 

 and also as it provides definite evidence disproving the claim that this 

 wood enjoys complete immunity from the attacks of borers. The 

 three holes shown stopped at the heartwood however, and there is no 

 evidence to show that any went further. 



As has been already stated, this report is merely that of a 

 preliminary investigation, based on such data as is at present available, 

 as to the suitability of certain local woods for use under given 

 conditions, it is not, nor should it be considered to be, final. All 

 further information and legitimate criticism, when based on reliable 

 data, will therefore be readily M'elcomed as being in the interest of the 

 Colony in extending the at present restricted uses to which local woods 

 may be put. 



