204 TIMBER 



is sometimes stained with shibio, the juice of the per- 

 simmon darkened by lampblack and ashes, and this is 

 some protection from the weather, and does not prevent 

 seasoning as paint would do if used over unseasoned wood. 



SOUTH AFRICAN TIMBER. 



Although the forests of South Africa produce large quan- 

 tities of various kinds of trees, only a few have so far been 

 found available and suitable for constructional work. 

 Amongst these are the following : 



Sneezewood (Pteroxylon utile) is the best-known native 

 timber in Cape Colony for durability, whether used for piles 

 in water, superstructures of bridges, or other engineering 

 works ; it is heavy, hard, tough, strong, close grained, and 

 more difficult to work than teak. It is found in Kaffraria 

 and Pondoland. It is seldom possible to cut a log with 

 sharp edges up to 12 inches square, neither is it obtainable 

 in long lengths, as the tree only grows to a height of 30 to 

 50 ft. Of a yellowish colour, somewhat resembling satin- 

 wood in the grain, and is sometimes nicely figured. The 

 Dutch name for this wood is Neishout. Besides being the 

 chief timber for heavy work, it is employed in cabinet-making 

 and carpentry. It derives its name from the irritating 

 nature of the dust produced by sawing or working the 

 wood, which causes sneezing. The price is high in Cape 

 Colony. 



Weight about 68 Ibs. per cubic foot. 



Milkwood (Miniusops obovata) is a fairly tough, close- 

 grained wood. 



Red Pear (Scolopia ecklouii) is also a useful hard, close- 

 grained timber. 



