520 JOURNAL OF FORESTRY 



the tropics as it has already been stimulated in certain parts of the 

 Malay region and probably in some of the other regions mentioned in 

 this article. 



What effect would such a stimulation have on the exports of lumber 

 from these countries to North America and Europe? In spite of the 

 fact that the largest percentage of the timbers in tropical forests are 

 non-durable hardwoods that can be classified as soft hardwoods, or 

 those medium in hardness, some of these have beautiful color and 

 grain, that make them good woods for many classes of construction 

 work, such as interior finish, and are good substitutes for mahogany. 

 Referring again to the Philippines, we have an example in the lauans, 

 which can be divided into white lauans and red lauans. The red lauans 

 (including tanguile) have the color and grain of mahogany. A certain 

 per cent of the finest grades of these lauans command higher prices 

 and some are exported. In 1916, in spite of the difficulties of transpor- 

 tation, six million feet were exported to the United States, being sold 

 under the names of tanguile mahogany and Bataan mahogany. The 

 new demand for true mahogany, used for airplane propellers, will draw 

 heavily on the diminishing available supplies of this timber in southern 

 Mexico and in Central America. There are many other tropical woods 

 that could be used as a substitute for it. 



After the war the amount of railroad sleepers that will be required 

 to repair our railroads and those of Europe will be enormous. A cer- 

 tain percentage of practically all tropical forests contain hard, durable 

 timbers that are little known outside of the local markets. The rail- 

 roads of Brazil, Argentina, and the Philippines are built of them. 

 Some of our own railways are making tests of some of these ties from 

 the Amazon region. Many of these woods last from 15 to 20 years 

 and more in the severe conditions of the tropics, where decay goes on 

 much more rapidly than here. In temperate climates they would have 

 a much greater duration than creosoted ties that are being extensively 

 used. The first cost of using such woods might be great, but it would 

 be economy in the long run. Tropical forests also contain valuable 

 woods other than teak that could be substituted for this wood and 

 temperate woods for shipbuilding, especially for those parts that re- 

 quire hard, heavy timbers to withstand the wear and tear. In fact, 

 there is scarcely any end to the uses to which tropical woods of all 

 kinds could be employed in temperate regions. In many cases they 

 would fit the situation better than those now used. In others they 

 would be good substitutes. The development of the lumber industry 

 in the tropical regions would, no doubt, lead eventually to the introduc- 

 tion of manv of these woods into our markets. 



