254 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY. 



1 1 8. M. Too-sendaii, S. and Z., Jap. T6-sendan, or Chinese 

 Sendan. 



119. M. Azedarach^ L., Jap. Ochi, Sendan. 



120. Cedrela cJiinensis^ A. Juss., Jap. Chian-chin. 



Among the many varieties of foreign plants which the botanist 

 from the north meets in gardens and public parks of the Mediter- 

 ranean region is a deciduous tree of considerable size of trunk, 

 whose thick and rugged bark is like that of an old Robinia. 

 Its light, irregularly branching crown and thick twigs, however, 

 resemble the large sumachs. In May, there appear, before the large 

 double-feathered leaves, a number of light blue flower-clusters, 

 which in form, colour and smell resemble those of the Syringa. 

 This is Melia Azedarach, which is extensively used as an orna- 

 mental plant, and is known in the English West Indies with no 

 little exaggeration by the dignified name — " The Pride of India." 

 India is really its home, from which it has been imported to Japan, 

 together with another variety whose name Too-sendan (Too = To) 

 indicates Chinese origin. The third species mentioned above is 

 considered indigenous, but like the others is not widely spread 

 in Japan. The near kinship of the three plants is shown by their 

 common name Sendan. 



They are trees of rapid growth, but are more remarkable for 

 circumference than height. The wood, which ranges from a light 

 brown to dark brick-red colour, is exceedingly soft. The cross 

 section shows broad year-rings, whose almost purple girdles of 

 closely crowded pores are sharply defined and intersected by 

 numerous very fine pith-rays. It is used in joiner-work and for 

 chests, although it is not very firm or durable when exposed to 

 the air. Utensils of various sorts are also made from it. 



The Cedrela, as its popular name, Chian-chin, indicates, is a 

 rare, ornamental tree from China. Its sweet smelling wood re- 

 sembles that of the Sendan, but has a deeper brick-red colour. 

 It does not warp or split easily, and is used for furniture-making. 

 In comparison with its American relative, Swietonia Mahagojiij L. 

 it has not much value. 



Fam. Simarube^. 



121. Picrasnia ailanthoides ^ Planch., the only Japanese specimen 

 of this family, is found in the mountain forests of Hondo, and on 

 the island of Yezo. The soft, white wood has not been used yet. 



The Chinese "tree of the gods," Ailanttis glandulifera, Desf., in 

 spite of its French name — "Vernis du Japon " — is not found any- 

 where in the kingdom of Nippon. 



Fam. Rutace^. 



Most of the woods belonging to this order are known by their 

 close even grain and whitish colour. The pores are evenly dis- 



