CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 243 



are parallel and equidistant, and are crossed at right angles by thin white 

 lines. All the sections show pretty and deUcately marked ripple rays. 



Sabicu, African. Source unknown. West Coast of Africa. 



A cargo of so-called sabicu was landed in Liverpool about the year 

 1900. The logs were all hewn square and were of large size, ranging from 

 18 to 40 inches square, and from 10 to 30 feet in length. Since that date 

 a few odd logs, both square and in the round, have been received at 

 various times. 



The colour and texture of the wood much resembles that of the West 

 Indian variety, though the-grain is more open. The timber is suitable 

 for the same purposes as those to which West Indian sabicu has been 

 appHed, and has been so used by the Ordnance Department. 



Saccopetalum tomentosum, Hook., f., and Th. Weight, 40 lbs. India. 



This is a very nice wood, of a light ohve-yellow or brown colour, with 

 a very close, firm, hard texture ; it takes a smooth surface from the tool. 

 The radial section is covered with tiny flecks of silver grain caused 

 by the medullary rays. It should be a valuable cabinet wood, as it 

 undoubtedly stands well under all conditions. Troup mentions it as 

 being used for car\T[ng, for which it is eminently suitable. 



The pores are exceedingly small ; the medullary rays very strong, 

 broad, and numerous, parallel though not equidistant. 



Sain. Terminalia tomentosa, W. and A. Weight, 48-71 lbs. (Gamble). 

 India. 



The colour is dark brown, rather darker than that of American walnut, 

 and bleaches to a greyer tint on exposure ; it is often beautifully streaked, 

 and is very handsome when well pohshed. The grain is close, firm, and 

 hard, rather difficult to saw and plane, but capable of a smooth surface 

 from the tool. The wood has to be seasoned carefully. It is obtainable 

 in large quantities, and " trees with a clean bole of 50 feet and up to 

 80 to 100 feet with a girth of 8 to 10 feet are common " (Pearson). 

 This wood has never been imported into the United Kingdom on a com- 

 mercial basis, but supplies on a large scale may now be expected. It 

 is a strong timber, and can be used for all kinds of decorative and furniture 

 work, and especially for paneUing and chairs. Mr. R. S. Pearson thinks 

 that burrs are often formed by the rubbing of trees together, and says 

 that this is common to many Indian timbers, but is specially noticeable 

 in T. tomentosa. 



