CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 227 



grain running different ways. The open pores show with rough edges, 

 abnost as in the end (transverse) grain, which latter has a beautiful 

 appearance. There is nothing to recommend this wood for commercial 

 use. 



The pores are not very numerous, and appear like blotches of openings 

 filled with gum. The medullary rays are exceedingly numerous, and 

 very fine and close. 



Planchonia Andamanica. Weight, 65 lbs. The Andaman Islands. 



The wood, which is sometimes known as red bombwe, is brownish-red, 

 hard, and durable, and takes a smooth surface from the tool. It is said 

 to be suited for sleepers, for which purpose it is being tested by several 

 Indian railways. There are fair quantities available, which will probably 

 soon be seen in the European markets. 



Plane. Platanus orientalis, Linn., P. acerifolia, Willd. Weight, 30- 

 42 lbs. Europe. (Sometimes known as Lace-wood). 



The plane tree, so famihar to Londoners, in whose city it thrives so 

 well despite the smoky atmosphere, produces a wood of a very pale 

 yellow, though it may vary to hght red or a greyish-blue, while at times 

 it presents the variegated effect of a mixture of all these tints. Probably 

 these differences in the colour are affected by the time of year in which 

 the tree has been felled, though they may be due in some way to the soil 

 in which it grows. The wood has an exceedingly close, tough, hard 

 grain, much resembling maple. It is difficult to understand why it is 

 not more largely used. There is little doubt that, if its qualities were 

 more studied, the merits of the timber would commend it for many 

 purposes. It could be used to advantage as a substitute for maple 

 for floorings, as well as for other uses where maple is in demand. The 

 Church of St. Sepulchre, Holborn, had formerly some beautiful panels 

 of carved plane wood, dating from the seventeenth century. One of 

 these is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum at South Kensington. 



A fine plane tree can now be seen flourishing by the side of the Grand 

 Junction Canal in London, close to the north gate of Regent's Park 

 leading to Avenue Road. It has an interesting history. In 1874 a 

 barge containing petroleum, while passing up the canal, exploded with 

 a report which was heard ten miles away. The bridge and the keeper's 

 cottage which then existed were blown away, and the plane tree was 

 practically destroyed. Fifteen years ago the only remains of the old 

 trunk was a dead, charred, pointed piece, which could be seen protruding 

 through the new and vigorous growth around it. The old trunk has 

 now disappeared and there is no longer any sign of the damage which 

 was sustained. 



