8 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



of a smooth surface from the tool, and it stands well in all conditions. It 

 is not known commercially in the United Kingdom, but it would un- 

 doubtedly be in demand for a great variety of decorative and other work, 

 if any regular supply was available, especially as it is reported as being 

 very durable. 



The concentric layers, which are strongly defined, are very close, 

 giving the appearance of a very slow-growing wood. The pores are 

 variable in size, and the medullary rays are clearly marked, and only 

 show obscurely on the tangential section. 



Almond, European. Prunus Amygdalus, Stokes ; Amygdalus communis, 

 Linn. Weight, 43 lbs. Europe. 



The colour of the wood is dull reddish-brown with darker veins. It 

 is of but slight commercial importance, though it finds occasional use in 

 turnery and the fashioning of marquetry. 



The medullary rays are well marked, and the pores, except in the 

 pore zone, are very small. 



Almond-wood. Source unknown. Weight, 42 lbs. 12 oz. Cuba. 



In the year 1900 a shipment consisting of a considerable number of 

 large logs hewn square and measuring over 36 inches, arrived in the 

 London Docks from Cuba, and was sold under the name of " Cuba 

 almond." 



In texture, weight, and general character it resembled Cuba mahogany, 

 but differed greatly from this in its colour, which was greyish-brown, 

 irregularly marked with bluish streaks. All the logs displayed a more 

 or less wavy and curly grain, with those forms of rich figure that are 

 commonly known as roe and splash mottle. Some of this marking was 

 so extremely decorative that the wood was in constant demand for fine 

 veneers, which gave a very handsome effect when poHshed. Most of this 

 was sent to America. Since that date, however, there have been no further 

 supplies. 



The pores are large and open and somewhat scattered. The medul- 

 lary rays are not very clearly defined. The pores in the tangential section 

 show lustrous contents. 



Alphonsea vmtricosa, Hook, f., and Th. Assam, Chittagong, the 

 Andaman Islands. 



The wood is a dull yellow with occasional dark streaks. It is close- 

 grained and strong. Gamble, quoting Heinig, says that it is used in boat- 

 building, and squares up to 30 feet by 15 inches. 



