TIMBERS OF BRITISH GUIANA 129 



Cedar (Idea altissimd) is also found in British and French 

 Guiana. A reddish brown wood, most serviceable and 

 valuable for cabinet-making, which may be obtained in 

 long lengths up to 2 ft. square. It is not so plentiful as 

 the variety known as white cedar, which is very durable in 

 the ground as foundation timber. 



Locust (Hyniemea courbaril) is abundant in some parts of 

 the river forests of Guiana ; it is also common in the 

 West India Islands, and yields, by tapping, the gum 

 animi of commerce which is largely used in the manufac- 

 ture of varnish. The wood is heavy, of a streaky brown 

 colour somewhat resembling mahogany, but harder ; the 

 sapwood is a dirty white and often 4 inches wide ; it is 

 close grained and tough, saws and planes readily, and is 

 much stronger than English oak in all ways. It is used 

 for furniture, mill engine beds, makes good treenails for 

 timber quays, and is not liable to shrink or warp. The 

 Indians make wood-skin canoes from the bark. To be 

 obtained in large logs up to 18 inches square. 



Variable weights are given, from 33 to 59 Ibs.per cubic foot. 



Kakaralli (Lecytliis ollaria), which grows in the same 

 districts as greenheart and is said by some to be more 

 durable and to resist the teredo very well, produces a very 

 heavy wood of a light brown colour, close grained arid 

 tough, with a smooth surface and a feel like ebony. 

 Should make a useful timber for wharves, dock gates, etc., 

 but cannot be got in lengths exceeding 40 ft. and 10 to 

 14 inches square. 



Weight about 61 Ibs. per cubic foot. 



Waibaima (Nectandra sp.) is another of the greenheart 

 species abundant in Guiana. Logs of great length and 20 

 to 28 inches wide can be obtained. For ships' planking it 



T. 



