128 



THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



has broken in half. In all cases these fractures mar the appearance 

 and scope of the timber, and occasionally render it entirely valueless. 

 Much speculation has arisen as to the cause of this defect. Some have 



Felling a Large Buttressf;1) Mahogany Tree in West Africa, 



said that it is caused by lightning or thunder, hence one of the names ; 

 but the general opinion is that it is caused by the swaying of the trees 

 to and fro in the wind. I do not, liowever, agree with this theory, nor 

 do I see how it can be sustained. In logs of close, firm texture from 



