LEGUMINOS.5J YIKLDINC^. WOOD FOR BUILDING, ETC. 347 



PAPILIONACE/E. 



AgatI grandiflora (Tree). — An Indian tree of small size; the wood 

 is soft, liglit, and suitable for planks. 



Andira inermis (Tree). — A tree 10 to 15 metres high and i metre in 

 diameter. The wood is hard and the colour externally blackish-red. 

 In longitudinal section the wood somewhat resembles that of the palm 

 treCj whence the name of Bois palniistc by which it is sometimes 

 known. 



There are a fair number of species of Andira in Brazil, and they 

 furnish excellent wood for building purposes, cabinet making, &c. 



Andira anthelDiintica (bitter angelim). 



Ajidira verDiifitga (angelim). 



Atidira spectabilis (stone angelim). 



A?idira rosea (sweet angelim). 



Andira stipiilacea (coco angelim). 



Andira raceniosa is the Guiana angelim. 



/Eschynomene aspera (Shrub). — The Indian sola. \ woody plant 

 from 2 tO' 3 metres in height with a straight, gradually tapering stem 

 which only branches towards the top. 



The stem is formed by the agglomeration of white, spongy cells 

 which form a compact mass without woody fibres. It is used for the 

 light helmets, non-conductors of heat, which are commonly used in hot 

 countries. This small tree bids fair to become the object of a fairly 

 important cultivation, as it is also used in the manufacture of corks, 

 fans, children's toys, mats, &c. 



The wood is also used as an insulator for keeping drinks cool. 

 The stems are used to make cases for carafes, bottles, glasses, and 

 dish covers for ices, &c. Notwithstanding the heat of the surrounding 

 atmosphere any iced preparation remains cool. 



Xscliy^ioinetie indica is a substitute for sola, and the same applies 

 to Cassia ininwsoides. Mimosa fudica^ and Seshania paludosa. 



Baphia laurifolia (Tree). — There is a large traffic in this wood on 

 the African coast between Cap des Palmes and Grand-Bassam. It is 

 heavier than water, compact, finely grained, and takes a fine polish. 

 When newly cut the inner wood is white, becoming red on exposure 

 to the atmosphere. The outer surface is blackish, and when scraped it 

 emits an odour resembling that of palisander or violet wood. 



Baphia africana (Tree). — Baphia laurifolia gives a wood known as 

 ca)miwod. B . africana and B. nitida both give woods that go by the 

 same name. 



The camwood of Sierra Leone would be that of Baphia nitida. It 

 is a very hard wood which takes a fine polish and is used in cabinet- 

 making. The plant is a native of tropical Africa. 



Butea frondosa (Tree). — A greyish-white wood, suitable for the char- 

 coal used in the manufacture of gunpowder. In India it is used for 

 wells, piles, &c., as it lasts better under water; occasionally found in 

 interior building work. 



