CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 295 



TiTOKi. Alectryon excelsmn, Gaert. New Zealand. 



The Board of Agriculture, New Zealand, reports this wood as of a 

 " hght-red colour, straight-grained, of great strength, toughness, and 

 elasticity. Used in wheelwrights' and coachwrights' work, axe handles, 

 swingle-trees, and handles of carpenters' tools." 



ToTARA. Podocarpus Totara, A. Cunn. Weight, 28-37 l^s. New Zealand. 



This is one of the most valuable timbers of New Zealand. It has not 

 been imported on a commercial scale. The Board of Agriculture, New 

 Zealand, reports it as " deep red in colour, clean and straight in the 

 grain, also capable of resisting the marine worm for protracted periods. 

 Procurable in long lengths and up to great widths. Used for general 

 building purposes, joinery, and cabinet-making ; bridge and wharf work, 

 and wood pavements." Some years ago many well-marked pieces were 

 sent to this country for figured veneer work, the figure being of a curly, 

 wavy, burry character. The veneers were well received and were used 

 for panels in pianoforte work and cabinets. 



TowHAi. Weinmannia racemosa, Linn. Weight, 45 lbs. New Zealand. 



According to the New Zealand Board of Agriculture, this wood is of 

 a " deep red colour, hard and strong, ornamental grain. Procurable in 

 mediiun lengths up to 10 inches in width. Used for cabinet-making and 

 ornamental work." 



Trincomali Wood. Berrya Ammomlla,'Roxh. Weight, 60 lbs. (Troup). 

 India, Ceylon, Burma, the Malay States. 



The colour of this wood, which is alternatively known as petwun, 

 is a deep dull-red, very similar to that of beef-wood or bullet-tree ; it 

 has a very close, firm, hard grain, and a sticky or oily feeling to the touch. 

 In this respect, as in its colour, it resembles the heart-wood of lignmn vitae. 

 According to Troup it is difiicult to saw and seasons well, although he 

 recommends seasoning in the log " to prevent the formation of small 

 radial cracks which are apt to form if the wood is converted green. . . . 

 Owing to its toughness, elasticity, and straight grain . . . recommended 

 for carriage shafts and other purposes requiring these properties." 

 Gamble says " the wood is very durable. It is used for carts, agricultural 

 implements and spear handles, and is much esteemed for toughness and 

 flexibility." Experiments made by Professor W. C. Unwin, F.R.S., in 

 1899, gave the following results : 



Weight .... 



Resistance to shearing along the fibres 

 Crushing stress 



Coefficient of transverse strength . 

 Coefficient of elasticity 



4993 per cub. foot. 

 830-3 per sq. inch. 



3-442 tons per sq. inch. 



6-898 „ „ 

 7807 „ ., 



