4 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



and stands well. The surface is sticky, which is probably due to oily 

 contents. The wood has a peculiar and unpleasant scent, though Weisner 

 describes his sample as exhaUng a fragrant odour recalUng that of the 

 cigar-box cedar {Cedrela odorata). This timber could probably be used 

 as an excellent substitute for teak, although it might be heavier and harder 

 to work. 



The pores are not very open. The exceedingly fine medullary rays 

 in cross-section are invisible to the naked eye, but with the magnifying 

 glass are clearly defined by reason of their light colour ; they are Unked 

 at right angles by similar light lines. 



Adenanthera pavonina, Linn. Weight, 56 lbs. India, Burma, the 

 Andaman Islands. 



A dark, reddish-brown wood, this displays a pretty wavy pattern on 

 the radial section. It would be useful in this country, as it already is in 

 India, for cabinet work. It has not yet been imported commercially, but 

 suppUes are likely to be available in the near future. 



" Pores small, scanty, in groups or short radial Unes. Medullary rays 

 very fine, extremely numerous." (Gamble.) 



Aderno. Astronium commune, Jacq. Brazil. 



This timber, which is also known variously as chibatan and ubatan, 

 is described by Baterden as being of a red colour. It is used, according 

 to Brazilian Woods, in building work and for railway sleepers, and the 

 same authority speaks of it as having a very close grain. 



Adina cordifolia. Hook, f. Weight, 45 lbs. (Gamble). India, Burma, 

 Ceylon. 



The wood, which in India is called haldu, is of a dull yellow colour 

 with a reddish tinge, like a dull satin-wood. It has a close, firm texture, 

 and it is capable of a very smooth surface. It has been imported to a 

 limited extent, and has been found very useful for brushwork. If a 

 regular supply was estabhshed there is no doubt the demand would 

 continually increase, as it is a wood having unusual qualities which fit it 

 for special uses. The evenness of the grain is very pronounced, so that 

 it can be cut either with or across the grain equally well, and on this 

 account it should be a valuable wood for carving. The colour being so 

 flesh-like, would specially fit it for the carving of statues. It stands weU 

 under all conditions, and would be very suitable for cabinet work and all 

 decorative purposes. Gamble reports it as " Good for turning, and 

 extensively employed in construction for furniture, agricultural imple- 

 ments, opium and cigar-boxes, writing tablets, combs, and numerous other 

 purposes." It has been found to be an excellent wood for bobbins. 



