ii6 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



resembling beech. Its qualities would not recommend it for export, 

 and it does not appear to be reported on very favourably in India. 



The pores, though not large, are numerous. The medullary rays 

 are broad and conspicuous. 



Laburnum. Laburnum vulgare, Berchtold and Presl. ; Cytisus Laburnum, 

 Linn. Weight, 53 lbs. (Elwes). Europe. 

 A beautiful greenish-brown wood used for turnery, inlay, and cabinet 

 work, laburnum is, in common with many English timbers, hardly ever 

 seen or used. Elwes and Henry describe the colour " when exposed to 

 light, becoming dark olive or red-brown, showing small meduUary rays." 

 Sang is quoted " that in his time (1812) it was the most valuable timber 

 grown in Scotland, and . . . sold at los. 6d. per foot." It was then 

 used for cabinet-making, musical instruments, handles, and chairs. 



Lager stroemia hypoleuca, Kurz. Weight, 44 lbs. The Andaman Islands. 



The wood is of a pale reddish colour showing a minute ripple marking 

 on the radied section. It is hard and durable, and is used in the Andamans 

 for house-building, and spokes and felloes of wheels ; as it swells when 

 wet it is unsuited for boat-building. Gamble says that it squares 

 up to 50 feet in length with a siding of 2\ feet. It will be found to be 

 a useful wood in this country when it becomes better known. 



The pores vary in size ; they are very frequent. The fine medullary 

 rays are distinctly visible. 



Lalone. Source unknown. Weight, 69 lbs. Cuba. 



In 1892 some hewn logs of about 15 to 18 inches square to which this 

 name was given, were imported into London. The wood is of a red 

 plum-colour, similar in density and texture to Spanish mahogany. It 

 is capable of a fine, smooth surface from the tool. 



The pores are scattered and filled with a bright shining gum. The 

 medullary rays are fine, uneven, and somewhat irregular. The tangential 

 surface shows the pores also shining brightly, with minute specks of gum. 



Lancewood. Guatteria virgata, Dun. Honduras, The West Indies. 



The colour of the wood is a pale yellow, resembling a dull satinwood ; 

 it has a very close, smooth grain which splits or rends freely. On account 

 of its special elasticity and springiness it is the best timber for shafts for 

 carts. It is also used in a great number of different works, amongst 

 which are bows and measuring rods, though these latter are generally 

 supposed to be made of boxwood, 



