AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES. 247 



81. Styrax Obassia, S. and Z., Jap. Oba-no-chisa. 



82. Symplocos laiicifolia, S. and Z., Jap. Ikono-shiba. 



^3- S. japo7iica^ D. C. {S. lucida, S. and Z.), Jap. Kuro-ki. 

 '^^. S. cratcBgoides^ Don., Jap. Tubetagi. 



Fam. Ebenace^. 



85. Diospyros Kaki, L., Jap. Kaki. The distribution of this 

 beautiful tree, and its greatly prized fruits, the so-called persimons, 

 has been already considered, pp. S^, 89. There remains only to 

 note the qualities and uses of its wood. This is light greyish brown 

 when young, like the kindred Indian ebony woods {D. ebemim 

 and D. nielanoxyloii), and becomes black at the core only when 

 old. This black Kaki (Kuro-gaki) is generally included in the 

 Shibu-gaki or astringent Kaki (see pp. i8r, 182). But, as with the 

 Indian varieties, it is impossible to tell from the outside whether 

 the black wood has formed, and this can only be determined by 

 boring. When cut crosswise, Kaki wood shows small or moderately 

 large, unevenly scattered pores, of a circular or elliptical form, and 

 numerous very fine pith-rays. The specific gravity is less than 

 that of the Indian ebony wood — only 0'6o6, according to Dupont; 

 In this, as in firmness, it is far surpassed by oak. It is used in 

 joiner-work, especially for veneer, small cabinets and boxes, glove 

 boxes, etc, 



Z6. D. lotus, L. (^D. japonica, S. and Z.), Jap. Shinano-gaki and 

 Mame-gaki. The wood of this wild variety resembles the fore- 

 going, but has finer pores, and is closer. Its use is the same. 



The wood of Diospyros ebeniim, L., Jap. Koku-tan, was brought 

 into Japan from South China and Further India, and is employed 

 for similar purposes. 



Fam. Ericace^. 



Zj. Rhododendron Metternichii^ S. and Z., Jap. Shaku-nage. The 

 light brown wood of this high mountain shrub is close-grained and 

 hard. It is used in Nikko and elsewhere in wood-turning. 



Fam. Caprifoliace.e. 



ZZ. Viburnum opulus, L. The wood has distinct year-rings, 

 very fine pith-rays and pores, which even under the glass are 

 hard to find. It has a pale pink or reddish brown colour. 



Fam. Corne/E. 



89. Cornus officinalis, S. and Z., Jap. San-shiu, San-shiu-yu. 



90. C. brachypoda, May, Jap. Midzuki. 



91. Marlea platanifolia, S. and Z., Jap. Uri-no-ki. The fine- 

 grained wood of these bushes or low trees is used here and there 

 for small articles. 



