114 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



class cabinet work, and select this wood in preference to all others for. 

 linings and drawers of small cabinets because its shrinkage and swelling 

 are infinitesimal. Such cabinets are not considered to be well made 

 unless the drawers run easily with the slightest pressure, and the pushing 

 in of one drawer causes the opening of another. The wood is very costly 

 in Japan. 



The annual rings, marked by the very distinct spring-zone of numerous 

 large pores, are often very wide. Outside this zone the small pores are 

 grouped in short, peripheral lines and thus produce a pattern reminiscent 

 of plum. The pores are all plugged. The medullary rays are fine and 

 just visible or invisible, though in the radial section they stand out as 

 light shallow bands. 



KoA. Acacia Koa. Weight, 52 lbs. Hawaii. 



A few logs of this wood have been imported into Liverpool of late 

 years. They are of good size and length. According to Baterden it is 

 " related botanicaUy to the blackwood of Australia and Tasmania, 

 A. Melanoxylon, (and) is the one fairly abundant Hawaiian tree which is 

 valuable for its timber. It is a highly prized cabinet wood a good deal 

 used on the island." It is of a red mahogany colour, capable of a very 

 smooth surface which shows a glossy sheen. The texture is fine and 

 close. 



The pores are scarce and regular and show singly and in pairs. The 

 medullary rays are parallel, very fine and rather faint, showing on the 

 tangential section through the lens (12 x ). 



KoKAN. Duabanga sonneratioides, Ham. Weight, 32 lbs. (Troup). 

 India. 



The wood, of which an alternative name is lampatia, is of a light 

 nut-brown colour resembling a pale variety of teak. The grain is straight, 

 but rough and soft, and does not take a nice finish. It is not suitable for 

 requirements in the United Kingdom, and would not repay the expense 

 of shipment. 



The pores are rather large and are generally in groups of two or three, 

 with a slight halo of light-coloured tissue surrounding them. The 

 meduUary rays are irregular, and rather scarce and coarse. 



KowHAi. Sophora tetraptera. Ait. Weight, 48 lbs. New Zealand. 



This wood, according to the Board of Agriculture, New Zealand, is 

 pale brown in colour, heavy and compact, and possesses great strength, 

 toughness, and elasticity. It is procurable in short lengths and up to 

 6 inches in width. It is used for shafts and machinery, agricultural 

 implements, and for cabinet work. 



