266 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



extensively used in boat-building. There is a standard market for it in 

 Calcutta, where it is in demand. 



Sycamore. Acer Pseudoplatanus, Linn. Weight, 38 lbs. 9 oz. Europe. 



The name sycamore is the term used in England for the wood of the 

 maple, to which in Scotland the name plane tree is applied. The term 

 sycamore is strangely misused in England for the produce of Acer Pseudo- 

 platantis, which should correctly be described as maple, whereas the 

 produce of Acer campestre, Linn., which should be called sycamore, is 

 named maple. The reverse method, which is correct, is employed in 

 America. 



The wood, which has a close, firm, tough grain, is a pale whitish- 

 yellow. After exposure to the air it becomes whiter, but when this 

 exposure is continued the wood again inchnes to its original yellow 

 shade. 



Although its qualities should have recommended it for more general 

 use, yet it has of late years been chiefly in demand for veneers. Some of 

 these have been of the wood in its natural condition, especially when the 

 tree has displayed a figury nature. More generally, however, the wood 

 has been stained a silver-grey colour, by the process described in the 

 section on artificial harewood {q.v.). Another important use for syca- 

 more is for the manufacture of large rollers for washing and other 

 machines of various kinds. It has also been effectively used for flooring. 

 The State staircase or main gangway for State occasions, for the use of 

 the King and Queen on His late Majesty King Edward's steam yacht, 

 was made of sycamore. It was much used in marquetry in the 

 sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. 



Although perhaps it may be said that every kind of tree has its proper 

 time for being felled, and no other is so good, yet this is especially applic- 

 able to sycamore. The reason is that the colour is of so great importance 

 in this wood, and it is only possible to obtain the desired result by felling 

 immediately the sap has ceased to flow. It is also essential that the 

 tree should be converted as soon as possible after felling. 



The pores are fairly numerous, and irregularly placed. The medullary 

 rays show as distinct white lines. The concentric circles are clearly 

 visible with the naked eye. 



Tallow Wood. Eucalyptus microcorys, F. v. M. Weight, 59 lbs. 8 oz. 

 AustraUa. 

 The wood of this tree is hard in texture and has a rough grain running 

 in different ways, and it therefore requires a very sharp tool to produce 

 a smooth surface. It is a dull yellow-brown colour, with rather a golden 

 tint, and sometimes presents a pretty figured appearance. When cut, 



