8 BULLETIN 414, U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



which are usually filled with a white substance known as tylosis, 

 are considerably^ smaller (0.15 millimeter) than the wood from Brit- 

 ish Honduras, and the pith rays are quite clearly visible to the 

 unaided eye. Cuban mahogany is usually from old, knotty, and de- 

 crepit trees grown in high rocky uplands. At present very large 

 logs are rare. The smaller ones now cut are of good quality as far 

 as the character of the wood is concerned and are used chiefly for 

 sliced veneer. 



San Salvador mahogany is similar in color, hardness, and weight 

 to that of Venezuela. The annual rings of growth are somewhat 

 less clearly defined and wider than in mahogany produced farther 

 south. The pores are prominent (about 0.2 millimeter in diameter), 

 and the pith rays quite conspicuous, often producing a beautiful 

 effect in radially cut boards. At one time a good deal of mahogany 

 from San Salvador was shipped to England under the name of 

 •' Nicaragua wood," and to this country as " Cispata mahogany." 



Mahogany from Venezuela is hard, heavy, and dark brown, with a 

 golden tinge, particularly noticeable on the radial surface. The 

 annual rings of growth are more or less prominent, unequal in width, 

 but usually rather wide. The pores are large and visible to the 

 naked eye. The pith rays are numerous and scarcely visible on a 

 smooth transverse section. This wood works well and is exported 

 chiefly to France for fine furniture and interior finish. 



Mexican mahogany is the most variable in quality. Although a 

 good deal of the wood from the higher elevations of Mexico super- 

 ficially resembles that from Cuba, it is on the whole softer and 

 lighter in color, even resembling the wood of the famous Spanish 

 cedar so much used for cigar boxes. The best Mexican mahogany 

 comes from the interior and higher portions of the State of Tabasco, 

 and in size, color, and hardness is superior to the best product ob- 

 tained in the lowlands farther south. Mexican mahogany has 

 slightly larger pores than the wood from Cuba, and the pith rays 

 are not visible except under a pocket magnifier. 



Mahogany from British Honduras contrasts strongly in appear- 

 ance and in structure with that from other regions. Annual rings 

 of growth are often wanting, so that the wood has a nearly homo- 

 geneous structure. It is moderately soft and light in weight, but 

 in quality and color compares favorably with that from Venezuela. 

 The pores are large, often from 0.2 to 0.25 millimeter in diameter, 

 and are usually filled with a dark-brown substance known as tylosis. 

 Pith rays are very narrow and indistinct. Wood from this region 

 is straight grained, usually free from knots, and easily recognized. 

 It is well adapted for inside work where figure is not required. 



