1 68 TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [CHAP. 



this sap-wood is, if possible, left on to preserve the rest 

 of it from splitting. The chief defect in Lignum Vitse 

 is the cup-shake, and this occurs rather frequently in the 

 wood of 10 inches and upwards in diameter ; it is, there- 

 fore, often difficult to obtain a sufficient supply of the 

 larger sizes suitable for the block-maker, who must have 

 not only the roundest, but also the most solid, wood for 

 his purpose. There are many demands, however, for 

 this wood for less important services, and all that comes 

 finds a ready sale. 



Lignum Vitae is imported in the round state, and in 

 very short lengths ; pieces under 10 inches diameter are 

 usually in lengths of 6 to 1 2 feet, and the larger wood in 

 lengths of 3 to 6 feet. It is commonly sold by weight, 

 and realises from 6 to 1 8 per ton, according to size 

 and quality. That from the city of St. Domingo is the 

 best. The specific gravity is 1248. 



THE ROSEWOOD TREE (Triptolomed) 



is found in Jamaica, Honduras, Bahia, Rio, and San 

 Francisco. It attains large dimensions, but is often 

 faulty in the centre, owing to decay setting in long 

 before the tree reaches maturity. 



The wood is dark chestnut, or brown, in colour, 

 streaked or veined, and generally figured in the grain ; 

 it is hard and heavy, but in the hands of the cabinet 

 and pianoforte makers it works up well ; it is highly 

 valuable for all kinds of ornamental work, and for many 

 purposes in the domestic arts. It takes a good polish. 



The chief defect in this wood, is heart-shake, or 

 hollowness at the centre, which extends far up the tree, 

 and this necessitates the cutting of the logs down the 

 middle longitudinally; often a middle piece is wasted 

 on this account, consequently we never see sound solid 



