CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD iii 



although it is confidently expected that the new process of Powellising, 

 which has proved so satisfactory in Australia, will enhance the reputation 

 of the wood in England. C. E. Lane-Poole says : " It is on Lloyd's hst 

 of shipbuilding timbers, and is suitable for all purposes where large 

 sections of great strength are necessary. It has been found very 

 satisfactory for wooden pipes and it makes a good waggon spoke." 

 Julius reports that " Piles of unusual straightness and regular taper, of 

 either ordinary or exceptional lengths, can be obtained with faciHty and 

 in large quantities, and have been not a little used in water not infested 

 with marine pests. Karri also readily affords baulks of exceptional 

 section and planks of great width." 



Although karri has not given satisfactory results when used for 

 sleepers in those countries where the white ant abounds, and perhaps also 

 in our own country in contact with the ground, yet under the Powellising 

 system, a wide prospect of usefulness opens up for this requirement, 

 and perhaps also for wood paving and all those works where the wood 

 has to be in contact with the soil. In regard to its immunity from the 

 attack of the white ant when so processed, there is now abundant proof 

 from many sources in Australia. Numerous good reports come from 

 engineers over a large area, and are the result of experiments made on 

 a large scale. They are also now strongly confirmed by similar reports 

 from India. These are of the utmost importance, in consideration of the 

 future development of the trade in this wood. For the durability of 

 karri in contact with the ground when processed there is not so much 

 evidence yet available, but there is good reason to anticipate that in 

 course of time, and when sufficient trials have been made, the results will 

 prove satisfactory. 



Perhaps the most important consideration from our point of view, 

 having in mind its size and abundance, is its employment in fireproof 

 construction, for in a marvellous degree it is able to withstand the ravages 

 of fire, and is therefore of very great value. In a disastrous fire that 

 occurred in the West India Docks, the logs and planks of Australian 

 hardwoods were found afterwards to have received only very slight 

 damage, little more than a thin charring on the outsides. 



Logs of this wood should be stored in the water, as otherwise they are 

 liable to split and crack up badly. Planks, boards, and blocks should be 

 stowed entirely under cover, as closely packed as is consistent with a 

 sufficient admission of air to prevent fungus growth or other harm. 

 The place chosen should also be entirely free from sun and rough winds, 

 preferably below the level of the ground and in a slightly damp, rather 

 than very dry, situation. 



The pores are large and numerous, and are usually filled with gum. 

 The medullary rays are not discernible even with the lens. 



