PREFACE 



The present book is not intended to supersede any of the works on timber 

 hitherto published, but rather to supplement them. It has been put 

 forward to meet a distinct want for a clearly-arranged handbook which 

 shall contain information concerning all the timbers encountered in 

 commerce, including those which have only of recent years appeared in 

 the European market. The aim has been to treat the subject from its 

 commercial, technical, and industrial aspects. 



In compiUng this work I have adduced the practical experience of 

 over forty years' work in the timber trade. In all cases where I have 

 had experience of the merits and characteristic qualities of the wood, the 

 report is based on this personal knowledge. Where I have lacked this, I 

 have taken extracts from the most recent reports of other authorities, and 

 I am much indebted to them for allowing me to quote from their writings. 

 These are noted in the bibliography. 



I also wish to express my thanks to those of my friends who have so 

 kindly given me their assistance. Amongst them I would name : 



Professor Percy Groom, M.A., D.Sc, F.L.S., F.R.H.S., to whom I 

 am indebted for valuable help in the botanical side of the work ; Sir 

 Hugh Beevor, Bart. ; Colonel James Brown, D.S.O. ; Mr. H. J. Elwes, 

 F.R.S.; Mr. J. S. Gamble, M.A., CLE.,. F.R.S., F.L.S.; Mr. Arthur 

 Gardner; Mr. Edwin Haynes ; Mr. G. S. Hart, I.F.S. ; Mr. J. Masters 

 HilUer; Dr. Charles Hose; Major-General Sir Newton Moore, K.C.M.G., 

 M.P. ; Mr. B. Ohta ; Mr. R. S. Pearson, I.F.S. , F.L.S. ; Mr. Hugh G. 

 Saunders, and Professor R. S. Troup, F.C.H., and Miss Eleanor Rudwick 

 who has greatly assisted me. 



ALEXANDER L. HOWARD. 



Regent's Park, 

 Au^^ust 19 19. 



