22 James Mann: 



sions and weights of the specimens, after they had been planed 

 on an ordinary wood planer. The dry weights were calculated 

 from the moisture percentage experiments. The weight of the 

 seasoned wood w*as calculated from the observations taken on 

 reabsorption. This weight will vary with the hygroscopic state 

 of the atmosphere. 



As this is the first time these timbers have been subjected 

 to mechanical tests, it will be well to treat them rather fully. 



Description of the Specimens. 



In describing the general appearance of the specimens, the 

 first name will always be that supplied by the Department of 

 External Affairs, and the second the name given to the species 

 by Mr. Burnett. 



Ulaho {Afzelia hijuga). — Urabo of the Eastern Division. It 

 is common throughout coastal Papua, and consequently has 

 several different names as follow: — Melila and Mokaika, at 

 Motu : Pida at Vailala ; Uio in Western District : Kurabi, North 

 and Eastern Divisions ; Bendora, Northern Division. 



The specimens received varied slightly in colour, one being 

 fairly dark, somewhat like the dark Tasmanian and Victorian 

 blackwood, but not so rich in colours : heavy, close grained, 

 yellowish brown when freshly planed, but darkening on ex- 

 posure to the light, of an oily nature, easy to work, and should 

 t^ike a fine polish ; if either shavings or sawdust, taken from 

 this wood, he boiled in water for fifteen minutes and the liquid 

 evaporated, a dark shellac-like substance is left, which may be 

 of economic value. Some of the pores contain a yellow sulphur- 

 like material, which came away as fine dust during the cross- 

 breaking tests. Evidently a strong, durable wood ; it has been 

 proved to be absolutely proof against white ants, but it will not 

 resist the teredo. 



Alaga. — Araga (Fain. Sapotaceae), from the Eastern Division. 

 Being common throughout Coastal Papau, it too has several local 

 names — Ohabu, Vailala ; Borua (proV)ably Rolua), Northern 

 Division ; Ediua, Kemp Welch ; and Koiua, Buna Bay. 



The specimens are of a reddish, light brown colour, the sap- 

 wood a light bluff. The grain is fairly close and straight. It 



