202 TIMBER 



generally. It can be got in lengths up to 30 ft. It has 

 also been used in tunnel works in Japan. 



Kuro Matsu, also called Omatsu (Pinus tJiunberyii), is 

 another of the Japanese pines, a great variety of which 

 grow in the country. It is of a hardy nature and a com- 

 mon tree of the hill forests. Although coarser and loss 

 resinous than aka matsu it is frequently used with the 

 latter for works in dry situations. The above pine timbers 

 are inferior in strength to their European prototypes, as, 

 owing to the climatic conditions of the country, they are 

 of more rapid and exuberant growth. 



Ash, of which there are something like twelve varieties, 

 has recently been sent in large quantities to the English 

 markets. It has come in the form of planks ranging from 

 1^ to 8 inches thick and 6 to 19 inches wide and up to 

 about 30 ft. long, most accurately sawn and practically free 

 from heart knots and shakes, straight grained and of good 

 texture. It is not so dense as English ash, but compares 

 very favourably in quality, texture, and price with Quebec 

 wood, has a nice figure, and is well fitted for light carriage 

 work. 



A large quantity called "tamo" was recently shipped to 

 the Continent, particulars of which were given in the 

 Timber Trades Journal of October 12th, 1907. Yachidamo 

 is the correct name, and the botanical name is given as 

 Fraxinus mandschuria, showing that the wood is considered 

 to be a species of ash, although, seeing that it does not 

 quite resemble any species of commercial wood hitherto 

 known in Europe, and has many features in common with 

 elm and oak, there have been differences of opinion as to 

 its classification. It is very beautifully figured, soft and 

 easy to work, but nevertheless strong and heavy, and will 



