148 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



numerous. The pronounced medullary rays are parallel but irregular ; 

 they are crossed at intervals by similar lines. The rays show very 

 strongly on the radial section as in sycamore. 



Mahogany, Panama (probably Cedrela). Weight, 35 lbs. 9 oz. 

 Central America. 



Mr. Bradley says that there are two varieties of true mahogany in 

 Panama, the light and the dark. The dark is, with some variations, 

 similar to the mahogany of Central America, and bears a conical-shaped 

 pod. The hght variety is of the same family, but differs in leaf, seed, 

 bark, grain, and colour, the seed being nearly round. The Hght mahogany 

 grows on the wet land near the creeks in an accessible position. The 

 timber of these two varieties may be classed together, as it has been 

 found impossible to distinguish any material difference in the supplies 

 of true mahogany which have come to the English markets. The quality 

 and colour is very good, and resembles that of Honduras mahogany so 

 nearly that it often passes for it. It has been imported in the round, 

 and in hewn square logs of small and large sizes. The majority of these, 

 however, have arrived in such a split condition that the wood has not 

 been favourably received, and until some means can be found to bring 

 the logs here in a more sound condition, little commercial development 

 will ensue. Its uses have been the same as those for Honduras mahogany. 



Besides these supplies, a large quantity of so-called mahogany has 

 been exported to the United States and to this country. The correct 

 term for this timber is " esparvie," and the name mahogany is improperly 

 applied. There are also two sorts of esparvie — the light and the dark, 

 the light being inferior, with small heart- wood and much sap-wood. 

 It is subject to beetle attack, especially if cut in the wrong season. 

 Generally speaking, the tree is a native of the lowlands, but occasionally it 

 is seen even on the tops of the hills. It is used but little locally. Its 

 lasting qualities are greatly improved by creosoting. The dark variety 

 is more -often found in a dry situation, although it can occasionally be 

 seen at the water's edge. It is much superior in quality, containing a 

 greater proportion of heart-wood and much less sap-wood. It resists 

 beetle attack better, and the heart-wood is in fact practically insect-proof. 

 It is used along the coast as the chief timber for canoes and boats, an 

 excellent recommendation in itself. About 1910 a cargo of what was 

 probably esparvie was sent to Astoria near New York, where it was 

 attacked by a beetle (possibly a weevil), which did an enormous amount of 

 damage and spread to the other mahogany stored there. The resulting 

 loss led to a law-suit in the American courts, and the judgment given by 

 Judge Blackmore on that occasion is published in full here, as it deals with 

 an important point regarding the liabihty of owners of timber in their 



