CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 247 



Mexican mahogany. The wood stands exposure to the weather re- 

 markably well. It was at one time used in the royal dockyards in this 

 country, but it has not been seen in commerce for many years. 



The specific gravity is about the same as Honduras or Mexican 

 mahogany. 



Sarcocephalus cordatus, Miq. Weight, 35 lbs. India, Burma, Ceylon. 



The wood is of a light grey-brown, with a soft punky grain. It could 

 not be recommended for works of any importance. 



The pores, which are not large, are numerous and regular in size and 

 position. The medullary rays are not xdsible with the lens (12 x ). 



Satinee. Perhaps Ferolia guianensis, Aubl., or F. variegata, Lam. 

 Weight, 54 lbs. French Guiana. 



This valuable highly decorative wood is insufficiently known or 

 appreciated in England, although it was mentioned by Laslett in 1875. 

 In France, however, it has been extensively used, and is highly valued 

 for its unusual quahties. The colour is light red, which bleaches a Httle 

 and assumes a very bright lustre or sheen, especially when treated with 

 a thin transparent pohsh in the attractive manner peculiar to the French 

 artist. There is no other wood comparable to it for work in the French 

 Empire style. The nearest approach is perhaps the San Domingo abey 

 {Poeppigia excelsa) , but this wood is browner in colour and does not possess 

 the lustre in the same degree. There is always a sHghtly marked, very 

 narrow shade or roe (caused by the contrary soft and hard grain), which 

 when laid alternate ways adds greatly to the appearance of the panel or 

 cabinet ; thus : 



x^ 



The pores are irregular in size and position. The medullary raj^s, 

 which are very fine, are exceedingly numerous and sharply defined. 



Satinwood, African. West Coast of Africa. 



Under the above name or the names of " yellow-wood " or " green- 

 heart " there have been imported from several ports on the West Coast of 



