CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 191 



rays, with similar fine white lines at right angles ; the beautiful effect 

 thus given resembles delicate lace, or a fine spider's web. 



Oak, Formosan. Quercus sp. Weight, 66-72 lbs. Formosa. 



Two specimens of Formosan oak have been submitted to me, about 

 which nothing further is known but that they are a species of Quercus. 

 It is therefore impossible to describe them by separate names, although 

 the timber differs widely. They closely resemble the product of the 

 live oak, being hard and heavy, and having a close grain, while they are 

 also capable of a very smooth surface — more so indeed than is any other 

 oak. The colour of one is the beautiful greyish brown, which only after 

 many years is assumed by old English oak panelling. With the broad 

 strong clash or figure of the pronounced medullary rays and its pleasing 

 colour, this wood should be in great demand, and would make beautiful 

 panelling and furniture. 



The pores are very small and not numerous. The principal medullary 

 rays are strong and broad, with numerous fine secondary rays between, 

 parallel and regular. There is a pretty wavy or ripple-like appearance 

 of a small white marking at right angles to the medullary rays. 



Another variety is of a bright uniform biscuit yellow colour. This 

 wood possesses very unusual markings caused by the pores and the rays. 

 In the combined result much of the wood is almost like the marking of a 

 leopard, and would give a very pretty effect in decorative work of all 

 kinds. 



The pores are scarce and very small. The principal medullary rays 

 are broad and strong, with innumerable very fine secondary rays running 

 parallel between them. These are joined at right angles by fine markings, 

 and give the appearance of delicate lace. 



Oak, Himalayan. Quercus spicata. Smith. Weight, 58 lbs. India. 



The wood is of a rather dirty reddish-brown colour, showing little of 

 the general characteristics of Quercus, while it has a rather rough and 

 fibrous grain. Troup recommends it as being durable and not inclined 

 to warp. He mentions it as being used for " building (Assam) well 

 construction, ploughs, mortars, helms of boats." 



There are singular, short dark wavy ripples, following the lines of the 

 concentric layers. The pores are very small and scarce. The medullary 

 rays are strong, wide, and conspicuous. 



Oak, Holly. Quercus Morii, Hay. Weight, 67 lbs. Formosa. 



The wood is of a bright saknon-red colour, streaked with wide dark 

 reddish -brown markings, and is of a very hard texture which is capable 

 of a smooth surface. The colour and the pretty marking of the pores. 



