AMERICAN LUMBER IN FOREIGN MARKETS. 251 



not unlike oak in appearance. It has this great advantage it does not 

 crack and is invariably sound in its heart. This wood is used by the 

 natives for the hubs or boxes of wheels and fellies, and these native- 

 made wheels are, as a rule, made without iron tires, proving the extreme 

 hardness and durability of the wood, for the roads in Paraguay are of 

 the roughest description. This wood I can with safety recommend to 

 shipbuilders, carriage makers, and carpenters; it is durable, strong, and 

 easily worked. The price, put in Asuncion, is 55 cents (gold), 34 by 10 

 by 10 inches. 



lviraro-mi. A fine, closer- grained class than the above, somewhat 

 scarce, therefore commanding a high price. It is invaluable for engrav- 

 ing blocks. 



Incienso. The sap of this is the incense of commerce, but for some 

 reason there is no trade in it except for local purposes. Of late there 

 has been a demand for the wood for parquet flooring, on account of its 

 scent, durability, and hardness. Price, 45 cents (gold), 34 by 10 by 10 

 inches, but seldom to be had more than 12 by 12 inches square. 



Pah bianco. One of the commonest and tallest trees of Paraguay. 

 This wood takes its name from its bark and not from the color of the 

 wood, which is whitish yellow, with a strain of black. Although heavy, 

 it is largely used here and in Buenos Ayres instead of pine. It is 

 practically everlasting when not exposed to wind and weather. It has 

 this great advantage dry rot and borers never touch it. It is easily 

 worked. Price, 35 cents (gold). 



Cedro. The price of this wood is rising in leaps and bounds. It is 

 just now particularly in demand on account of the Cuban revolution, 

 and it would be difficult to exaggerate its value in the immediate future, 

 as the quantity now left is very limited. For durability and for retain- 

 ing its scent it is thought to be superior to any other cedar hitherto used 

 in the manufacture of cigar boxes and receptacles for the preservation 

 of apparel from the depredations of insects. The price, put in Asun- 

 cion, is 60 cents (gold), 34 by 10 by 10 inches. 



I have delayed forwarding this report on account of the nonarrival of 

 samples of the woods I describe. The minister of the interior ordered 

 samples to be sent to the consulate free of charge, but as yet they have 

 not been delivered. 



SAMUEL W. THOME, Consul. 



ASUNCION, June 5, 1896. 



