THE TIMBERS OF COMMERCE 



veined, and celebrated for cabinet-work " (15). " One of the 

 most valuable timbers of Australia, and employed for all 

 kinds of construction, carpentry, and ornamental work " 

 (60). "Carriage-building and agricultural implements " (31). 

 Gamble thinks the tree may have degenerated in Indian soil 

 judging from its lesser weight per cu. ft. The differences in 

 colour and hardness may also be additional indications. 



Bark. Dark brown, about inch thick, of two layers, the 

 outer dark-coloured, fissured, separating in small, rough scales : 

 the inner lighter coloured, of concentric layers showing the 

 continuations of the rays : both filled with rod-like bodies, some 

 of which are lustrous. 



Authorities. Wiesner (131), L. 6, p. 82. Laslett (60), p. 253. 

 Watt (127), p. 53. Gamble (37), ed. 1902, p. 301. Newbury 

 <8 3 ). Nillson (85), p. 24. 



Colour. Heart- wood a lively Mahogany-red to reddish- walnut, 

 sharply defined from the brownish-white sap-wood, which is 

 from | inch to 2 inches wide. In my specimens there is a narrow 

 greyish zone by which the sap-wood passes over into the heart- 

 wood. 



Anatomical Characters as those of A. pendula No. 68, but the 

 tissue is much laxer. It may readily be distinguished from 

 nearly all the other Australian Acacias by its physical char- 

 acters. 



Type specimens authenticated by R. T. Baker (South 

 Australia), R. B. Hough (North America), and the Forest Officer 

 to the Government of the Cape of Good Hope. 



No. 72. SABICU (from Tunas de Zazas). 

 Species unknown. 

 PLATE V. FIG. 45. 



Natural Qrder. Leguminoseae. 



Source of Supply. Cuba. 



Physical Characters, etc. Recorded dry-weight 62^ Ibs. per 

 cu. ft. Hardness Grade 4, compare Hornbeam. Smell none, 

 taste intensely bitter. Burns very badly, maintains a flame 

 with difficulty, but embers glow in still air. No smell during 

 combustion. Solution with water reddish or dark claret-colour, 

 begins to appear even before boiling. 



Grain. Coarse and open, except where filled with resin or 

 white deposit. Surface rather waxy to the touch : lustrous : 

 pores shining, but the soft tissue and rays dull. 



Bark. ? 



Uses, etc. Railway-carriage-making, cabinet-making, turnery. 



82 



