TIMBER WOODS. 105 



handsome and valuable canoes are also hollowed from the largest 

 specimens. Cedar thrives in the best soils, and is pretty abund- 

 ant throughout the island. Diameter, five to ten feet, and in 

 height, perhaps the loftiest of our trees. 



Gyp (Qordia G-erascantlms) . The Gyp is not so light as the 

 Cedar, nor is it so variously employed ; it is, however, extensively 

 used for rafters and flooring boards, and is, with reason,, regarded 

 as one of our best woods ; it generally grows in the mountainous 

 districts, and does riot attain very large proportions. 



Laurier, or Laurel, Gyp. The Laurier Gyp grows only in the 

 mountain districts ; it does not last in the ground, but may be 

 sawn into boards and scantlings : it is light and very durable in 

 fact quite equal to the Gyp itself. Diameter, from two to three 

 feet, lofty, and as straight as a palm tree. 



Olivier (Bucida) generally thrives in poor land, and is 

 plentiful between Arauca and Aripo, as also at Guapo and Irvis : 

 it is not so valuable as the Laurier-cyp, but can be used for the 

 same purposes though rather heavy, and with a great tendency 

 to rive. The Olivier grows to a large size, but is then invariably 

 hollow ; it is most available when of only twenty-four to thirty- 

 six inches in diameter. 



Couroucay or Incense-tree (Amyris ?). Scarce, but valuable 

 for building purposes, besides the sum or gum-resin it contains 

 in great abundance ; so are also the Bois-tan or Surette (Byrsonima 

 spicata), and the Bois-sang or Blood- wood (Vismid) ; they 

 never attain a very large size, but may be used for rafters. 



Aguatapana (Rhopala montana). An excellent timber, grow- 

 ing in the mountains, but never reaching a large bulk : it re- 

 sembles rose -wood, and might be turned to useful purposes by 

 the cabinet- maker. 



Gasparil (Eseribeckia). Very tough and lasting, and bearing 

 the closest resemblance to box- wood, but, like it, unfortunately of 

 small size ; when large enough, it is used for posts in house- 

 building. 



Yoke-savanne (Mimosa). Very valuable to the wheelwright. 



Calabash (Qrescentia Cujete). Light and very tough ; excel- 

 lent in boat-building particularly as ribs and in the framework 

 of agricultural implements ; useful also to coachmakers. 



Tendre Acajou (Mimosa). A soft, and yet very durable wood, 

 adapted to all building purposes. 



