CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 237 



cut." It is imported in small round logs from about i^ inches to as 

 much as 8 or 9 inches in diameter, with an occasional larger piece. It 

 is used for red dyes, turnery, and inlay. It has a strongly marked 

 contrary grain of hard and soft texture, but is capable of a very 

 smooth surface if thoroughly worked with a sharp tool, and when 

 finished shows a fine, glossy, lustrous surface. 



The pores are small, uneven, and generally plugged with resin or 

 gum. The very fine meduUary rays are numerous, parallel, and nearly 

 equidistant. They are joined at right angles by very fine white bands 

 in pairs following the lines of concentric layeis. 



Rewa-rewa. Knightia excelsa, R. Br. Weight, 46-50 lbs. (Stone). 

 New Zealand. 



The timber is sometimes known as New Zealand honeysuckle. 



The Board of Agriculture, New Zealand, reports of it that it is " deep 

 red in colour, and beautifully mottled in silver grain. Procurable up to 

 20 feet in length and 15 inches in width. Used for house-blocks, piles, 

 railway sleepers, machine beds, and for ornamental cabinet-making." 



Baterden says that "It is often used for mantelpieces owing to its 

 incombustible nature. It is durable when used for interior work, but will 

 not stand exposure to variations of weather. All oily substances should 

 be avoided when polishing New Zealand honeysuckle, as it absorbs grease 

 and oil to the detriment of the finely-marked grain ; and, moreover, 

 varnishing is said to be a disadvantage." 



RiMU. Dacrydium cupressinum, Soland. Weight, 34-40 lbs. (Baterden). 

 New Zealand. 



The tree is of straight growth and attains a height of from 80 to 100 feet, 

 with a circumference of from 6 to 9 feet. It varies in shade from light 

 yeUow to chestnut-brown, with some streaks of Hghter and darker colour, 

 much resembling the so-called satin-walnut [Liquidambar styraciflua, 

 Linn.), but with a much finer, closer texture. Unlike this wood, however, 

 it stands well under all conditions, although it requires a long time to 

 season properly. It is capable of a very smooth surface from the tool, 

 and is excellent for mouldings and carved work, as a fine edge and finish 

 is easily obtained with either hand or machine tool. A large quantity 

 was imported in logs, planks, and boards about twenty years ago (1919), 

 and remained in the docks for a long time, as it was entirely unknown and 

 its merits were not realised. When at last it was used it was soon 

 appreciated, and subsequently inquired for, but no further shipments 

 have arrived. 



Besides its many uses for cabinet and joiners' work, it was found to 

 be one of the best woods for the framing of showcases for shop-fittings. 



