A LESSON FROM THE ELEPHANTS 



Although this is not the true Ebony, botanically speak- 

 ing, nevertheless it is equally good and Herbert Stone, 

 the well-known timber expert, when he examined my 

 specimen, declared that in some ways it was preferable 

 to true ebony, "for it took a natural polish from the 

 tools." 



It is difficult for me to select from the many valuable 

 species a few that I may discuss for the interest of forest 

 enthusiasts and other serious readers, but I will mention 

 a few which are of the greatest importance. 



Among those that are available for export is Podo- 

 carpus gracilior, it is known locally as Musengera, or to 

 the trade as Podo. It is a soft light yellow wood, with 

 fine even grain, saws and planes well, is not very fissile, 

 takes nails well, and polishes and works easily. It is 

 moderately durable and seasons in a fair manner. Lo- 

 cally it is in great demand for all kinds of building and 

 interior work, such as flooring or ceiling boards, but 

 will be interesting to importers as a furniture wood. It 

 is obtainable in lengths up to twenty-five feet squaring 

 eighteen inches to twenty-four inches. Podocarpus 

 milianjianus is another variety also known to the trade 

 as Podo, but it is obtainable in rather smaller sizes. 



Dombeya mastersii, known locally and to the trade as 

 Mukao, is a timber worthy of note, which up to the 

 present has been overlooked. Much of this is sold lo- 

 cally under the name Podo, and although it may not be 

 quite so durable, it is easy to work, seasons well, and in 

 certain respects may be preferred to the afore- 



221 



