CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 33 



Blackwood, African. Dalbergia Melanoxylon, Guill. and Pen. Weight, 

 89 lbs. 4 oz. Tropical Africa. 



This timber is also called black Botany-Bay wood, although this name 

 is now somewhat out of date. It is a dark purple plum-coloured wood, 

 now imported from Mozambique and the east coast of Africa ; for this 

 reason it is also known as Mozambique ebony. Mr. A. E. Gardner says 

 it was formerly known as Ebene du Portugal, and that it is quite a different 

 growth from the ebony of the west coast or the Madagascar ebony. It 

 is probably the same timber reported by Holtzapffel as being of doubtful 

 origin, but that certainly some had been imported from the Mauritius or 

 the Isle of France. He adds, " it is probable that this wood, in common 

 with many others, may have several localities. ... It is most admirably 

 suited to excentric turning, as the wood is particularly hard, close, and 

 free from pores, but not destructive to the tools, from which, when they 

 are in proper condition, it receives a brilliant poHsh. It is also considered 

 to be particularly free from any matter that will cause rust, on which 

 account it is greatly esteemed for the handles of surgeons' instruments." 



These characteristics should recommend this wood to the attention 

 of those who are looking for a high-class, reliable substitute for ivory and 

 other articles, now very much more costly, which have been used for the 

 handles of knives and tools. The chief use of African blackwood, how- 

 ever, is for the making of musical instruments. It is imported in billets, 

 from 5 to 10 inches in diameter, of irregular growth and shape, and of a 

 faulty description. 



The pores and the medullary rays are equally indistinguishable with 

 the lens. 



The Bombay blackwood, otherwise known as rosewood [q.v.) and well 

 known in the timber trade, is the product of Dalbergia latifolia, Roxb. 



Blackwood, Australian. Acacia Melanoxylon, R. Br. Weight, 48 

 and 57 lbs. (other specimens stated to be as low as 36 lbs.). Australia 

 (including Tasmania). 



In colour the wood varies from rich reddish-brown to nearly black, 

 banded with golden brown ; sometimes it is brown and red with dark 

 streaks, and may show metalhc lustre. Its grain is close, often curly, 

 and it appears to be somewhat cross-grained, so that the wood often 

 shows pretty figure and mottle. It is easily worked and is susceptible 

 of a fine poHsh, but must be thoroughly seasoned. Mr. Baker (in his 

 work The Cabinet Woods of Australia) states that blackwood should 

 perhaps be placed second only to Cedrela Toona as an x\ustrahan cabinet 

 timber. As a handsome decorative wood it has been used for fittings in 

 banks, railway-cars, passenger steamers ; and a mantelpiece made of 

 this wood was exhibited some years ago in the Colonial Exhibition at 



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