28 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



Guiana) timber being rather knotty. In the log on calliper measure it 

 averages about 30 to 32 cubic feet to the ton. 



The wood is a dull plum-red colour, and in this respect it somewhat 

 resembles raw beef. With the plane it yields a very smooth surface, 

 upon which glisten the minute shining specks of substance contained in 

 the pores. Stone and Freeman give the following account of its other 

 qualities : " Very durable, stands exposure, suffers from teredo and 

 worms, . . . fissile, takes nails badly." In England it is only in occa- 

 sional demand, and is used in the manufacture of the best umbrella sticks, 

 which, even when thin, are very strong. On the Continent, however, 

 where there is a constant demand, beefwood (of this and possibly other 

 kinds) is used largely for making violin-bows of a second-class quality, 

 walking-sticks, rollers, and tools. 



The cross-section is marked by concentric layers of various widths 

 (which may represent annual rings) visible to the naked eye, also by 

 nmnerous light-coloured concentric hues which, hke the similar but finer 

 invisible medullary rays, are almost or quite invisible to the naked eye. 

 The small numerous pores are individually invisible, but are linked in 

 small radial Hnes by light-coloured tissue, and these light radial groups 

 are visible to the naked eye. The pores have contents that are light 

 yellow or orange in my specimen, which in structure and appearance 

 accords with the description given by Stone and Freeman, except that 

 these authors describe the contents of the pores as red. This may be a 

 casual variation, or may denote that mine is a different species of 

 Mimusops. 



Beefwood is very similar to messaranduba (Leucuma procera) (q.v.) 



Under the name of beefwood another timber may be encountered, 

 that of Swartzia tomentosa, DC, which appears (judging from Stone and 

 Freeman's description) to differ inter alia by the tiered structure shown 

 in the tangential section, as weU as by the scattered pores. 



Benteak. Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Wall., syn. L. microcarpa, Wight. 

 Weight, 53 lbs. West Coast of India. 



The wood is of a warm brown colour similar to that of black walnut 

 {Juglans nigra), and has a smooth, close texture and straight grain. It 

 would be much sought for and command a high price if regular suppUes 

 were forthcoming. This should be possible, as Gamble says that large 

 sizes in length and squares are obtainable. It is highly suitable for 

 decorative furniture and fittings, and could be used where black walnut 

 is in request. 



The pores are numerous and irregular in size and position, largely 

 plugged with shining gum. The medullary rays are very fine and scarcely 

 perceptible even with the lens. 



