244 



THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



Sal. Shorea rohusta, Gaert., f. Weight, 55 lbs. (Gamble). Northern 

 and Central India. 



This very valuable wood, though little known in England, is in very 

 general use in India. The timber is hard and rather cross-grained, of a 

 close texture and light brown colour, with small whitish sap-wood which 

 is not durable. Gamble writes : " The fibres of alternate belts in the wood 

 on a vertical section running in opposite directions, so that when the 

 wood is dressed a ver}^ sharp plane is necessary or it will not get smooth ; 

 does not season well." Quoting Brandis, he continues : " The trees 



Photograph by A. Rodgei. 



Forest ok Shorea sp., Upper Burma. 



attain the height of 100 to 150 feet with a clear stem to the first branch 

 of 60 to 80 feet, and a girth of 20 to 25 feet. ... As a rule it attains to 

 60 to 80 feet . . . and a girth of 6 to 8 feet." In drying, superficial flaws 

 appear and great care is needed, but when thoroughly seasoned it stands 

 almost without a rival for strength, elasticity, and durabiHty. Great 

 difficulty is experienced in getting the timber out of the forests, as it will 

 not float. 



It is largely used in India for all purposes where durability and 

 elasticity are required, and especially for sleepers. Pearson gives the 

 life of a good sal sleeper as 20 years as compared with 17 to 28 years 

 for teak [Tectona grandis), 20 years for pyinkado {Xylia dolahriformis) 



