154 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



This timber is particularly susceptible to damp, and great care must be 

 exercised in laying the floor to see that no swelling takes place. 



The pores are exceedingly small and very regular. The medullary 

 rays are strong and parallel, showing very distinctly, though finely, on 

 the radial section. 



Maple, Japanese. Acer palmatum, Thunb. and others. Japan. 



It is impossible to say which, or of how many species the commercial 

 supplies of Japanese maple consist, nor is it probable that at present it 

 would be possible to ascertain. Goto names A. palmatum as being 

 " abundant in Hokkaido and the northern part of the main island." 

 It is therefore probable that this species predominates in suppUes. 

 Fifteen different species are named by this authority. The character, 

 general quality, and size of the shipments which have already arrived in 

 England give the impression that it is all of one species. In appearance 

 it is white, and the texture and grain of the wood are very good indeed, 

 and compare to advantage with the best Canadian. For all purposes 

 for which hard rock maple excels (see Maple) the Japanese is equally 

 good, if not more satisfactory. 



Marblewood, Andaman. Diospyros Kurzii, Hiern. Weight, 66 lbs. 

 (average of three specimens. Gamble). Andaman Islands, the 

 Nicobars, Coco Islands. 



This name is well chosen, as it would be difficult to find in nature 

 an3^thing more closely resembling marble. An alternative name is 

 zebra-wood. 



The wood is of a dense, ebony black, with stripes of golden-yellow 

 and whitish-yellow, and it has a very close, hard, firm texture which is 

 rather cold to the touch and is capable of a very smooth surface. All 

 authorities seem to agree as to its liability to split and warp during 

 seasoning. This is, however, a common difficulty with all timbers of 

 this character, and, as in the case of boxwood particularly, the subject 

 needs to be studied carefully in order to determine the most suitable 

 time for the felling of the trees as well as the manner of their 

 preservation afterwards. Probably screening from light and air for 

 some time after felling, and very slow drying, would accomplish much in 

 the desired direction. If regular supplies were forthcoming, this timber 

 would be much sought after for ornamental cabinet work and inlay. 



The rather numerous pores are very small. The medullary rays are 

 exceedingly fine, close, parallel, and equidistant. 



Mata-Mata. Weight, 68 lbs. 6 oz. Brazil. 



This wood is of a dull nut-brown colour, and is capable of a smooth 

 surface from the tool. It is, however, inclined to warp and twist to a 



