136 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



which this variety can be recognised. The name " Cherry " is one given 

 by Americans on account of its colour, which somewhat resembles that of 

 the American cherry wood. Although specimens have been found among 

 the mahogany imports from nearly all the ports on the coast, the largest 

 quantity has been imported from Lagos and Cape Lopez. The logs are 

 of the usual dimensions of the African mahoganies, and range up to 6 feet 

 in diameter in round trees and 50 to 56 inches square in the hewn logs. 

 The wood is hard, strong, comparatively heavy, has a close texture, and 

 is liable to warp and twist if used in an unseasoned condition, though it 

 stands well if properly seasoned. It varies considerably in colour, part 

 being of a light mahogany red, while some is a very dull brown ; the 

 finest, a warm, bright red, closely resembles the matured colour which is 

 assumed by the Cuban or Spanish woods. The logs are incUned to split 

 on the ends and sides, and do not weather so well as the ordinary sorts. 

 The spUts also generally extend throughout the length of the whole piece, 

 and recur at intervals of a few inches over the hewn or sawn surface of 

 the outside of the log in parallel lines. This wood should therefore 

 be converted into planks, boards, scantlings, or veneers immediately on 

 arrival. It is exceedingly difficult to cut with the saw on account of a 

 kind of gum which it contains, which clogs the saw and blunts the tool. 

 An ordinary handsaw such as is used in Europe will not, however 

 ingeniously prepared, enter the wood beyond a few inches. The majority 

 of the logs are also impossible to saw with either veneer or ground-off saws. 

 A horizontal reciprocating saw specially set and prepared can be used 

 successfully if a continuous stream of soapy water is poured on it as it is 

 working. Without these preparations the saw will run and produce 

 irregular thicknesses, or parts of the board will have the grain torn out, 

 and the saw wiU generally be jammed so that it is only extracted with 

 the greatest difficulty. To the inexperienced eye this is the more 

 surprising as the appearance of the timber would give the impression 

 that it is the easiest kind of African mahogany to saw. These dis- 

 advantages mihtate against its use, although when they are overcome it 

 provides a valuable cabinet, furniture, and decorative wood, especially 

 suited for counter-tops, hand-rails, and chair wood. Many of the logs are 

 richly figured. Some of them retain their first brilliant appearance, and 

 will provide panels quite equal in effect, if not occasionally superior, to 

 that produced by the Cuban wood. Sometimes, however, the figure sinks 

 or dulls somewhat after polishing, and does not show brilliantly except 

 under particularly strong natural or artificial lighting. The surface is 

 much spoilt by the french polishing which is customary in England. 

 The American and Continental custom of using a coach-maker's flat 

 varnish is preferable. This variety of African maliogany was found in 

 the propeller-blades of the destroyed Zeppelins. It was used in alternate 



