294 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



Thingan. Hopea odorata, Roxb. Weight, 39-58 lbs. (Gamble). Burma, 

 the Andaman Islands. 



Small shipments of this timber have arrived in this country, but not 

 in sufficient quantities to make it known or in demand. It is of a Ught, 

 rather bright, yellowish-brown colour, is straight-grained, and would be 

 useful for many cabinet and decorative purposes. Foxworthy says that 

 this timber is probably the commercial equivalent of yacal from the 

 Philippines ; but the Indian variety is milder, lighter in weight, softer 

 in texture, and less interwoven in the grain. Gamble reports it as very 

 durable and capable of resisting white ants. " Boats made of it are said to 

 last twenty years." It is also used for house-building, canoes, sohd cart 

 wheels, and in the Andamans it gives squares up to 40 feet long with 

 2 feet siding ; is reputed good for ships' blocks, bits, and capstan bars, 

 carriage- and boat-building. If exported and properly known, there is 

 Httle doubt but that it would be much sought after. 



The pores are confused and irregular and are plugged ; the medullary 

 rays are line, parallel, and not very prominent. Gamble speaks of a 

 beautiful silver grain on the radial section, but it is not apparent on my 

 specimen. 



Thitka. Pentace burmanica, Kurz. Weight, 42 lbs. (Gamble).- India. 



This timber has been recently imported into Liverpool, probably for 

 the first time commercially, in long logs with about 11 inches to 16 inches 

 siding, rough sawn, nearly square. It is of a Ught brick-red colour, 

 with Hghter and darker shade or roe ; it is bright and has a certain glossy 

 sheen, while Httle specks of gum shine brightly on the tangential surface. 

 It is of a hard, close texture, and is capable of a smooth surface. Accord- 

 ing to Gamble " it has been largely exported," but as stated above it 

 has not been seen till recently in the United Kingdom. It does not 

 appear to shake to any extent, but it is rather Uable to warp. It would 

 provide a bright, showy wood for shop-fittings or cases. 



The concentric layers are well defined and the pores evenly scattered, 

 numerous, and fairly open. The medullary rays are parallel, equi- 

 distant, and inclined to wave. 



TiMiDAK. Source unknown. Weight, 46 lbs. 4 oz. Borneo, the 

 Malay States. 



This is a cross-grained, fine-textured wood of a Hght yellowish-brown 

 colour, with a surface very similar to that of Honduras mahogany. 

 It takes a nice finish from the tool, stands well, and would be a useful 

 substitute for any work for which mahogany is used. 



The pores are of moderate size and rather open. The medullary rays 

 are close, fine, and parallel. 



