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VALUABLE FOREST TREES OF CHILOE ISLAND. 



(From Daily Consular and Trade Reports.) 

 [Consul Alfred A. Winslow, Valparaiso, Chile.] 



According to lately published reports on the forest lands of 

 Chiloe Island, situated off the coast of Chile, between 41° and 

 43° south latitude, many kinds of valuable trees and shrubs are 

 found awaiting capital and labor to open up important industries 

 in that part of the country. This island contains 2450 square 

 miles and is covered with dense forests, except for a narrow strip 

 along the west coast. The names, with a short description, of 

 the more useful trees and shrubs are as follows : 



Cypress {Liboecdrus tetragona). — It is not known whether 

 there are great quantities on the main island or not, but the tree 

 abounds in the neighboring archipelago. It is a white timber, 

 with a slight pinkish tint, resinous, and elastic. Its duration is 

 such in all weather and atmospheric conditions that it is said to 

 be almost indestructible. This and the alerce command the 

 highest prices. 



Alerce {Fitsroya patagonica) . — About the same as the cypress, 

 of great duration, fibrous, red, and light. It is said that these 

 trees are found in almost all parts of the island. The wood is 

 used for ceilings of houses and lasts for 50 years and more. 



JManui {Saxcegothea conspicua). — A very abundant timber on 

 the island of Chiloe; is very good for cabinetwork on account 

 of soft and beautiful fiber. If exposed to the weather it lasts but 

 a short time, and so is mostly used for flooring. 



CirueHUo {Emhothriuui cocci]icum). — This timber excels all 

 others on the island for cabinetwork and can compete with the 

 best imported into the country. Its tint is slightly pink, beauti- 

 fully striped, and when properly polished has a metallic luster. 

 The tree grows rapidly and is appropriate for park and garden 

 ornamentation. 



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LAUREL GROWS IN ALL PARTS OF MOUNTAINS. 



Laurel (Laiirelia scrrata). — There is not a point in the moun- 

 tains of the island where this tree does not grow. It is the one 

 most used and commands the lowest price. It is used for inside 

 work, where it will not be subject to the changes of the weather. 



Luma (Myrtus luma). — A very large tree abounding in the 

 forests of Chiloe. Its lumber is red, very hard, and durable. 

 It is used for the manufacture of carriage wheels and barrels. 



Meli (Myrtus mcli). — About the .same as the luma, the only 

 difference being in the color. It has the same properties and 

 uses. 



