112 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



Katsura. Cercidiphyllum japonicum, S, and Z. Weight, 22 lbs. Japan; 



A large quantity of this timber has been imported into London and 

 Liverpool during the last few years, in logs, boards, and planks. At 

 first it was not sought for, but its good qualities were soon realised and a 

 considerable demand has since existed. It excels all other such soft and 

 light hardwoods, in its extraordinary smoothness of grain and the 

 sharpness of the edge which can be obtained from either machine or hand 

 tool. This renders it very suitable for mouldings, however intricate the 

 pattern. In these respects it will compare favourably with pencil cedax 

 (Juniperus virginiana), which wood, however, can never be obtained in 

 such long lengths and wide widths free from defect. It is of a light 

 nut-brown colour, and is very similar to kauri pine. It has been used for 

 a great many decorative purposes, such as cabinet-making, shop-fitting, 

 and panelling. It has also been largely employed in place of American 

 whitewood {Liriodendron tulipifera). While perhaps it does not stand 

 in imfixed work as well as this wood, as it is a little liable to warp if 

 used in widths, it far surpasses it in its very fine, smooth, silky grain 

 and hard surface. It is reported by Goto {Forestry of Japan) as being 

 used for wood-engraving in that country. 



The pores, which are very fine and obscure, are largely filled with a 

 bright, glistening grun which sparkles on all sections. The medullary 

 rays are hardly visible under a lens {12 x ). 



Keyaki. Zelkowa acuminata, PI. Weight, 39 lbs. 9 oz. Japan. 



This is a very handsome, hard, fine-grained, reddish-brown decorative 

 wood, somewhat resembling English elm in colour, but with a much 

 finer quality of texture, which after finishing from the tool displays a 

 bright metallic lustre. It stands well, does not warp or twist, and if 

 imported commercially into the United Kingdom would, when known, 

 make a very handsome timber for decorative purposes, paneUing, and 

 furniture. Professor C. S. Sargent {Forest Flora of Japan) describes it as 

 Zelkova Keaki, and says : " The wood is more esteemed by the Japanese 

 than that of any of their other trees. It is noted for its toughness, 

 elasticity, and durability, both in the ground and when exposed to the 

 air. It is considered the best building material in Japan, although it 

 has become so scarce and expensive that Keaki is not now used for this 

 purpose except in temples, where the large, light brown, highly polished 

 columns which support the roof are always made of this wood." He 

 also sas^s that it surpasses American oak in " compactness, durabiUty, 

 and lightness ; for Keaki, in comparison with its strength, is remarkably 

 light." Elwes and Henry say : " The most beautiful trays and cabinets 

 which come from Japan are made of dark, irregularly-grained and wavy- 

 lined wood of the Zelkova." 



