6o THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



flaky pattern. The medullary raj^ are well defined, close, parallel, and 

 irregular, and show on the radial section in minute flecks. 



Cheesewood. Species unknown — probably Erythrina. Central 

 America. 



The name cheesewood was given to some logs impdrted into Liver- 

 pool a few years ago. On arrival the timber was found to be exceed- 

 ingly heavy, and as it was impossible to dispose of the logs, they were 

 sent to Messrs. McArthur's sawmill to be converted into planks, as it 

 was thought that in this form some use might be found for them. Mr. 

 McArthur says that the sawyer was violently iU aU night after sawing 

 the logs, and his assistant more or less similarly affected. The planks 

 were stacked in the usual manner for drying, and were found to be exces- 

 sively heavy to handle, measuring only about 25 feet to the ton. Some 

 time afterwards, being ordered to remove the pile, the men, to their 

 great astonishment, found the planks hghter in weight than anything 

 they had previously handled, the change having occurred in the drying. 

 A sample of this wood measuring 2\ inches in thickness, 5 inches in width, 

 and 5i inches in length, weighs only 4^ oz., and is probably the lightest 

 piece of timber on record. 



Notwithstanding the hght weight, this wood possesses some con- 

 siderable degree of strength, and stands firm under a fair amount of 

 pressure. It might be described as " the softest timber of commerce." 

 With only light pressure the finger-ncdl can be inserted to a considerable 

 depth. On account of its strength and softness it should be useful for 

 many purposes, but up to the present time its chief use has been for 

 entomological cases. 



The concentric layers of annual growth are clearly marked, and 

 measure in places y% inch in thickness. The medullary rays can be 

 distinguished by the naked eye as parallel and uneven. There are 

 wide open pores, not very frequent, only situated between the medullary 

 rays, sometimes wide apart, occasionally close together. Bright specks 

 of gum shine out very white only between the pores. 



Cheesewood, Tasmanian. Pittosporum bicolor, Hook. Tasmania, 

 Victoria, New South Wales. 



An alternative name is white-wood. 



" This wood is yellowish-white, very hard, and of uniform texture 

 and colour. It was once used for clubs by the aboriginals of Tasmania. 

 It bums well, and should be tested for wood-engraving " (Irons, Reports 

 London International Exhibition of 1862). " It is much esteemed for 

 axe handles, billiard cues, etc. Specific gravity 874 (Mueller) ; dia. 

 6i inches ; height 20-40 feet " (extract from Useful Native Plants of 



