6 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



AlUzzia odoratissima, Benth. Weight, 54 lbs. India, Burma. 



This large tree yields squares 30 feet x 12 inches x 12 inches. The 

 wood is dark brown in colour ; it is fairly durable, and seasons, works, and 

 polishes well. 



Professor Unwin recorded the following results of tests : 



Resistance to shearing along the fibres . . 1283 lbs. per sq. inch. 



Crushing strength ..... 4'i84 tons 



Tiransverse ....... 6-518 ,, 



Co-efficient of elasticity ... . 755 ,, 



The wood is used for building, shafts and axles of carts, wheels, 

 ploughs, and casks, and also for furniture. 



Albizzia procera, Benth. Weight, 39-40 lbs. ; (average of Gamble's 

 specimens, 46 lbs.). India. 



The produce of this tree, known in India as white siris, is entirely 

 unknown under this name in the United Kingdom. It is probable that 

 it has been imported, mixed with the produce of A. Lebbek, and called 

 East India walnut. It would certainly deserve the name of walnut 

 better than the latter, as it more nearly resembles the European or 

 American walnut in all respects, and, unlike A. Lebbek, would undoubtedly 

 make a good substitute for them. If any quantity became available, it 

 would soon become known and in demand. 



The wood is of a brown walnut shade, tinged with red or yellow ; it 

 is lustrous and bright and inclined to be streaky, but without the dark 

 lines which are characteristic of European walnut. The sap-wood is not 

 duralsle. The wood is often straight-grained and mild, although much of 

 it is highly figured, and it stands remarkably well under all conditions. 

 Gamble reports it as " straight and even-grained, seasons well, and the 

 heart- wood is durable." It is used in India for a variety of purposes, 

 which include wheels, agricultural implements, bridges, and house-posts. 

 It should, however, be suitable for rifle and gun stocks, as it possesses all 

 the required qualities. 



The pores are scarce and rather large and open, with smaller ones 

 which are occasionally plugged. The medullary rays are fine, and show 

 very clearly in the radial section, as in sycamore. 



Alder. Alnus glutinosa, Gaert. Weight, 26-41 lbs. (Stone). 



Although this species of tree is widely distributed in temperate Europe, 

 Asia, and North Africa, in an area extending from the British Isles to 

 Japan, the timber used in Great Britain is almost entirely of British 

 growth, an exception being provided by ply-wood, which is imported. 



The wood is reddish- white, soft and light, and possesses a smooth, fine 



