22 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



the tree appearing to be about a century old. It is interesting to note 

 that around the roots were found numerous fragments of Roman pottery 

 and a considerable number of other reUcs of the Roman occupation, and 

 some coins, including one of the period of Constantine I. in an absolutely 

 perfect condition. Bitteme Manor marks the site of the local walled 

 Roman city of Clansentum [sic] (Clausentium), the greater part of 

 which site is now occupied by the timber-yard and wharf of W. W. 

 Howard Bros." 



Although I have been on this site on many occasions I regret I 

 never observed the tree until it was cut down. When this was done I 

 secured a specimen for examination. The concentric layers are very 

 indistinct and confused, and it is impossible to count the rings or gain 

 any knowledge of the life of the tree. The timber is of a pale yellow-grey 

 colour, with a close, tough texture, and, although not so hard, is rather 

 more like maple than like any ordinary poplar. In seasoning the wood 

 has warped somewhat, and would appear liable to this defect. 



Banksia. Banhsia littoralis, R. Br. Weight, 43I lbs. (Stone). \^'estem 

 Australia. 



This wood, which is also called " River Banksia," resembles in colour, 

 grain, and general character the cigar-box cedar {Cedrela odorata), without, 

 however, possessing its aromatic scent. It seasons well and stands under 

 all conditions without warping, twisting, or sphtting. It was lately 

 recommended as a suitable wood for aeroplane propeller blades. There 

 is rather a scanty supply, and a difficulty in getting it, as it grows \'ery 

 sparsely over a wide extent of country. It is often well figured ajid is 

 suitable for furniture and decorative work. 



Barberry. Berberis vulgaris, Linn. North America. 



The name barberrj', or more correctly " bearberry wood," is given to 

 the wood of Canadian buckthorn {Rhamniis purshiana) and possibly to 

 common buckthorn (R. cathartica). The former is described by Anderson 

 (quoted by Stone) as " used for ornamental purposes . . . one foot in 

 diameter or slightly smaller." The barberry wood of commerce may be 

 any of these, or it may be the produce of Bumelia lanuginosa. Generally 

 the wood is of small size, not exceeding 4 inches in diameter. The heart- 

 wood is streaky, of dark and light colour. The sap-wood is a bright yellow 

 when fresh, and retains this colour for many years when screened from the 

 light (as, for instance, in Nordlinger's wood-sections). The wood is hard 

 and dense in texture, and is used in turnery and marquetry. 



The annual rings and medullary rays are weU marked, and there is a 

 distinct porous spring-zone. 



