CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 5 



This is one of the timbers mentioned on Mr. Gamble's list of woods 

 which are available in fairly large quantities, and are likely to be worth 

 trial. 



The exceedingly numerous pores are very smedl indeed. The medul- 

 lary rays are so fine that it is difficult to see them through the lens. (12 x .) 



Aglaia Roxburghiana, W. and A. Weight, 58-61 lbs. India. 



The colour of this wood is bright red. It is hard, close-grained, and 

 handsomely marked. It is reported as being strong and standing well. 



" Pores small, scanty, in narrow rings of whitish tissue which run 

 concentrically and appear on a cross-section as narrow wavy lines. 

 Medullary rays fine, numerous, evenly distributed ; the distance between 

 them equal to or less than the diameter of the pores." (Gamble.) 



AiLANTHUS. Ailanthus glandulosa, Desf. Weight, 38 lbs. 9 oz. 



This tree, familiar under the name of " Tree of Heaven," is a native 

 of China, from which it has been introduced into England and the 

 continent of Europe. 



The timber, which is neither well-known nor much used, resembles 

 in colour and grain that of the ash to such an extent that it is often 

 mistaken and substituted for it. Careful tests made by the engineer, 

 G. Lauboeck, showed that his samples of this wood surpassed timber of 

 the ash grown on the Continent in resistance to rupture by bending, and 

 that it possessed a high degree of elasticity and resistance to crushing. 

 In view of published statements opposing these results, and considering 

 the rapid extension of the cultivation of the tree in England, renewed 

 tests as to the properties of its timber are desirable. My experience, 

 however, is that it does not possess the strength of English ash. 



The annual rings are clearly marked ; they are easily identified 

 because of the spring-zone of wide open pores. The wood is easily 

 distinguished from that of the ash, not only, as is usually the case, by the 

 great width of the annual rings, but also by the fact that the medullary 

 rays are easily visible in cross-section to the naked eye. 



Akeake. Olearia aricenniaelohia. New Zealand, South Island. 



Only a very small quantity of this timber has ever been seen in 

 England, but further shipments would be appreciated. The New Zealand 

 Department of Agriculture reports the wood as " yellowish, with a satiny 

 lustre, frequently wavy and prettily figured ; obtainable in short lengths 

 and small in size. Used fbr ornamental cabinet-maker's work, in- 

 laying, etc." 



