io8 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



instance, as the greater smoothness of surface and as causing less noise 

 under traffic, I think preference must now be given to creosoted deal if 

 it be selected from the most suitable class of timber." 



In reference to this last report it is not improbable that the relative 

 costs may change to the advantage of hardwoods and that greater care 

 with foundations and selection of timber may improve the hardwood 

 pavements. For sleepers it is probable that nothing can be obtained 

 which surpasses jarrah for durability and fire resistance, if indeed there 

 is any timber to equal it in this respect. Every year fresh reports come 

 to hand increasing its reputation ; its use is therefore specially justified 

 in this country, which, on account of the damp climate, calls for particular 

 consideration, although the termite-proof qualities of the wood are not 

 called into question. 



The pores are very large and open and are plugged with gum. The 

 numerous medullary rays can be seen very faintly under the lens. 



Jarul. Lagerstroemia Flos-Reginae, Retz. Weight, 43 lbs. (Troup). 

 India, Burma, Ceylon. 



The wood is of a red-brown colour, with a rather shining surface, 

 caused by specks of bright gum. The grain is straight and even, but not 

 very smooth. Gamble reports it as " The chief timber tree of Assam, 

 Eastern Bengal, and Chittagong, and one of the most important of the 

 trees of Burma. ... It is very handsome when covered with its large 

 lilac flowers." 



This is one of the timbers mentioned in Gamble's Ust of woods which 

 are available in fairly large quantities and are likely to be worth trial. 



The pores are variable in size, and somewhat plugged. The meduUary 

 rays are exceedingly smaU and fine, and are very difficult to identify 

 with the lens (12 x). 



Kaki. Diospyros Kaki, Linn., f. Weight, 48 lbs. 10 oz. Japan. 



This beautiful decorative wood shares with African blackwood the 

 distinction of being capable of almost the smoothest surface obtainable in 

 any timber ; it has a marble-hke coldness to the touch. The grain is 

 very close and even, although it is much Hghter in weight than any 

 of the other ebonies. The ground colour is a dense black, with beautiful 

 streaks of orange-yellow, grey, brown, or salmon colour imposed upon it ; 

 occasionally all these shades are seen together. It is highly valued in 

 Japan, where it is used for ornamental decorative work in boxes, desks, 

 and in mosaics. It possesses a sUghtly disagreeable scent. 



The pores are fine and scarce, and are generally plugged. The 

 medullary rays are exceedingly fine, though irregular ; they appear in 

 parallel Hues. 



