68 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



varies in colour from orange-grey to greyish-brown, with dark streaks 

 and veins ; some of it is reddish-brown, while much is handsomely 

 marked with a wavy, curly grain. It has a faint aromatic scent, and 

 the same cold, rather sticky feeling that is found in pyinkado (Xylia 

 dolabriformis), to which wood, in other respects, there is some similarity. 

 The timber has been used satisfactorily as a substitute for African oak 

 for dock work, while some of the finely marked pieces have been con- 

 verted into veneers, which give a beautiful decorative appearance. 



Baterden says that curupay has " been a good deal used for piles 

 and jetty work in the Argentine, and in such situations has lasted over 

 thirty years." 



It is a valuable wood which ought to be better known and in more 

 general use. 



The concentric layers are marked by very dark and light wavy bands. 

 The pores are uniform, and the medullary rays parallel and regular. 



CusHiMUCHO. Michelia compresa, Max. Weight, 38 lbs. Formosa. 



This wood possesses an unusual and attractive appearance which' 

 would demand attention if it were imported under commercial conditions. 

 It is the colour of honey, of a dark variety, though sometimes it is a rich 

 golden-brown, with a bright lustrous sheen. It has a close grain and 

 a firm texture ; it is capable of a smooth surface from the plane, although 

 there is a slight contrary grain of harder and softer growth. It is 

 altogether a unique and interesting wood which should be sought for in 

 decorative and cabinet work. 



The pores are exceedingly small and numerous, and are generally 

 plugged. The medullary rays are equidistant and parallel, and show 

 very finely on the radial section. 



Cypress. Cupressus sempervirens, Linn. Weight, 20 lbs. (Baterden). 

 Great Britain, Cyprus, Asia Minor. 



This wood is not known commercially in England at the present 

 time. Elwes says : " The timber is light brown in colour, hard, and close- 

 grained. . . . The wood is easy to work, and gives off a penetrating 

 agreeable odour. It is very durable, lasts indefinitely under water, 

 and longer than oak when used for mine-props. In France and Italy 

 it is considered excellent for furniture ; and the doors of St. Peter's at 

 Rome, which lasted from the time of Constantine to that of Pope Eugene 

 IV., nearly 1000 years, were said to be made of cypress." He concludes 

 by quoting Shakespeare, in The Taming of the Shrew, II. i. 353 : 



In ivory coffers I have stufied my crowns ; 

 In cypress chests my arras, counterpoints, 

 Costly apparel, tents, and canopies. 



