CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 113 



The annual layers are very clearly marked, close and numerous ; 

 the medullary rays arc strong and well defined. The pores are single, 

 very large and open in the spring-wood, but very small and scattered 

 in the autumn growth. 



KiNGWOOD. Source unknown. Weight, 75 lbs. 13 oz. South 

 America. 



For a number of years the wood which for commercial purposes has 

 been called " kingwood," has been the produce of a number of different 

 varieties which have possessed in a greater or lesser degree the character- 

 istics of the original wood. Holtzapf^el speaks of it as being " called 

 violet-wood — imported from the Brazils in trimmed logs from 2 to 3 

 inches diameter." He calls it one of the most beautiful hardwoods in 

 appearance. Foxworthy says that kingwood or violet-wood is " probably 

 [derived] from species of Dalhergia and best known under these names 

 from Madagascar and South America." I have a specimen of sissoo 

 {Dalbergia Sissoo) which, although not quite the same, would pass for 

 kingwood. Old cabinets, especially of French manufacture, display 

 a wood which possesses a very transparent surface and a strong metallic 

 sheen. The beautiful effect of the wood when so used can be seen in an 

 Enghsh cabinet of the early eighteenth century, which is veneered with 

 kingwood and is exhibited in the South Kensington Museum. 



The wood is of a rich violet-brown, shading sometimes almost to black, 

 and streaked with varying lighter and darker markings of golden yellow ; 

 it has a bright lustre, and a very smooth surface is obtainable. Always 

 a beautiful cabinet wood, it is still more so when it has become toned 

 with age. 



The wood in cross-section shows concentric marking, prevailing dark, 

 and marked by thin, light lines at irregular intervals. The cross pores 

 are large enough to be visible to the naked eye. Tne medullary rays are 

 invisible, though on very smooth sections a hazy pattern may be seen. 

 The fine light-coloured rays stand out, and are crossed at right angles by 

 similar concentric lines, either single or several close together. With 

 the lens the pores seem to be plugged with a red substance. 



KiRi. Paulownia tomentosa, Thunb. H. Br., P. imperialis, S. and Z. 

 Weight, 20 lbs. Japan. 



The wood is extremely light in weight, being scarcely more than 

 half as heavy as poplar. Of a very light nut-brown or reddish-brown 

 colour, it somewhat resembles light-coloured wych elm. In Japan it is 

 used for making musical instruments, bookcases, clogs, and floats for nets. 

 Its charcoal is employed for poUshing, and is reported to be indispens- 

 able in the manufacture of gunpowder. The Japanese excel in high- 



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