142 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



different in character is incorrect. There is a sHght variation in both 

 supplies, a proportion of the logs from both ports being of a slightly 

 different character and quality, as well as of a superior texture. This, 

 however, is only a variation without distinctive difference. For a 

 fuller description reference should be made to the account of Gaboon 

 mahogany. 



The appearance of the tangential grain of regular Cape Lopez 

 mahogany (not Okume) resembles that of Grand Lahou, but the average 

 weight is less. The pores are scattered and scanty. There is a light, iU- 

 defined concentric ring, which may or may not mark the annual growth. 

 The medullary rays are very fine and parallel ; they are rather indistinct, 

 and are joined at right angles by similar white lines of parenchjmia : all 

 these characteristics are very similar to the Grand Lahou wood. 



Grand Lahou. Weight, 30 lbs. 12 oz. — This timber is Very similar 

 to Lagos, but the logs in general are not so sound or so good in quality. 

 When carefully selected this wood makes excellent panels. The ports of 

 Twin Rivers, Benin River, and others yield similar supplies to the above, 

 but are generally more varied in character and quality. 



The medullary rays are rather indistinct and irregular ; the pores 

 are scattered and irregular in size and position ; the concentric layers 

 are indistinct. 



BoNAMBA. Weight, 35 lbs. 4 oz. — Of recent years a large quantity 

 of timber has been imported almost entirely in round logs, but a few 

 have arrived hewn square. The shippers have sent a miscellaneous 

 collection of all kinds of timbers without discrimination. These are 

 found to consist of about eight widely different varieties, several of 

 which in no way resemble mahogany. Great difficulty has been 

 experienced in selecting the logs of true mahogany before the timber has 

 been sawn, as it is all covered with discolouring matter. It is evident 

 that all the trees of the forest have been cut without any selection, but 

 the experiment must have been found very unprofitable, as the uncer- 

 tainty regarding the nature of the wood has been reflected in the ex- 

 ceedingly low prices realised for the shipments. 



The true mahogany which is found is of fine quality, colour, and texture, 

 is generally straight-grained, and mild, and is suitable for panels. Among 

 the unknown varieties of logs some develop a blue mould which clings to 

 the outer skin on the circumference and on the ends of the logs, and 

 produces after sawing a white mould or fungus which fills all the pores, 

 and the wood appears to possess no virtue or strength and becomes quite 

 valueless. Some of the logs are perforated with worm-holes. Another 

 variety is similar to the description known as Sapeli, and is almost 

 indistinguishable from it. Still another kind produces a wood of a dark 



