CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 45 



safe, therefore, to use iron nails or screws if the work is to be exposed to 

 damp. In England it appears to be durable in exposed work, but so far 

 sufficient time has not been allowed for any reliable test. In such work 

 the grain does not wear to a ridgy surface as with some hard woods, and 

 there is not such a marked difference between the soft and hard grain. 

 In this respect it is excellent for floorings. The grain is not fibrous, and 

 its hard but not too shppery surface withstands the wear of shuffling 

 feet or of nailed boots. It is also a valuable timber for general con- 

 structional work. One or two authorities in Borneo report it as a good 

 wood for aU purposes, and it is much valued in its native country, where, 

 if it were not subject to the attack of white ant, it would be much more 

 extensively used. 



The pores are regular in size and position ; the medullary rays are 

 well defined and parallel. 



Camphor Wood, Formosan. Machilus Thunbergn, S. and Z. Weight, 

 41 lbs. Formosa. 



This wood must not be confused with the true camphor of Formosa 

 {Cinnamomum Camphor a), from which it is very different. It is of a 

 rather dirty-brown colour, but with a very bright lustrous surface which, 

 with its lighter and darker marking, gives it a very pleasing appearance. 

 It possesses a shght aromatic scent, though not that of camphor. It 

 would be useful as an attractive cabinet or decorative wood, for in colour 

 and appearance it is quite unusual. Mitsui & Co. give its estimated 

 quantity available as 5,000,000 cubic feet. 



The pores are small, very regular in size and position, and very clean 

 and clearly defined. The medullary rays are fine, clearly defined, parallel, 

 and equidistant. 



Canalete. Source unknown. Weight, 51 lbs. 13 oz. West Indies. 



This wood is dense and hard, and has been imported in round pieces 

 from 6 to 10 inches in diameter. The heart-wood is of a deep, purpHsh- 

 lilac colour marked with thin black streaks running with the grain, and 

 having a bright metaUic lustre. The sap-wood, which is from | to if 

 inches wide and sometimes more, is bright yellow. The wood is fairly 

 sound-hearted, free from cuppy shakes, stands weU, and for some purposes 

 should be a good substitute for lignum vitae. It is also useful for tool 

 and knife handles, turnery and walking sticks, and makes a handsome 

 butt-end for billiard cues. 



The wood is marked by alternate concentric bands in which pores are 

 more or less numerous. These are invisible, but their positions and 

 scattered arrangement are indicated by a white halo surrounding the 

 groups and slightly linking them tangentially. The numerous fine 



