CHAP, xx.] INDIAN TEAK. 113 



believed to be plentiful in Siam,* and is found on 

 several of the islands in the Indian seas. 



The Teak is a deciduous tree, and prefers shelter 

 to bring it to the greatest perfection. It is of straight 

 growth, and is remarkable for its large drooping leaves, 

 which are from 10 to 20 inches in length, and from 8 to 

 1 5 inches in breadth. It frequently attains the height 

 of 80 or 100 feet, with a circumference of from 6 to 

 10 feet, and yields timber in the log 23 to 50 feet in 

 length and 10 to 30 inches square, these being the sizes 

 commonly shipped to this country. 



The wood varies from yellow or straw to a brownish 

 colour ; is moderately hard and strong, clean, even, and 

 straight in the grain, and is easily worked ; it shrinks 

 very little in seasoning, and has no shakes upon the 

 outer surfaces of the log. It will split, however, unless 

 care is observed in applying the fastenings when brought 

 into use. The quality of the timber depends very much 

 upon the locality in which it is grown, and is exceedingly 

 variable. Teak wood contains a resinous oil which clogs 

 its pores and resists the action of water, and it often 

 oozes into and congeals in the shakes which radiate 



* Since the foregoing was written, a sample of about 200 loads of Teak 

 timber, the produce of Siam, has been imported into London from 

 Bangkok (1873). In dimensions it compared favourably with the Burmah 

 Teak, was quite straight, and of a pale yellowish colour, plain in the grain, 

 moderately hard, and apparently of about the same specific gravity. As 

 a parcel, however, it was faulty at the pith or centre, in having most 

 injurious heart and star-shakes, only about 20 per cent, of the logs being 

 fit for conversion into plank or board ; the remainder, owing to the defects 

 referred to, could only be profitably employed in bulk, or reduced to 

 scantlings, which would involve a heavy loss. 



The sound and solid wood in the logs, however, was very good ; and I 

 am of opinion that if the timber is only carefully sorted over at Bangkok, 

 good shipments might be made for the London market. 



