158 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



book as an excellent wood for piles and submerged work as well as for 

 hydraulic work. It woxild be useful for chair and table legs, or any de- 

 corative furniture work where a very hard, smooth, durable wood is 

 required, though it would perhaps be found too hard and heavy for 

 ordinary cabinet work. 



The pores are very scarce and are generally arranged in short wavy 

 bands or groups ; in some ceises they are plugged. The medullary rays 

 are exceedingly numerous, clearly defined and parallel, but irregular. 

 At intervals they are crossed at right angles by similar light wavy bands, 

 presenting a very pretty pattern. 



Michelia Champaca, Linn. Weight, 28-42 lbs. (Gamble). India. 



This wood, which, though hitherto unknown in European commerce, 

 is hkely to be imported in the near future, possesses, in common with 

 most Indian timbers, a great variety of vernacular names. Many of 

 these appear to be some variant of the generic name. The wood is of a 

 canary colour and is very similar in all respects to Michelia excelsa (q.v.), 

 particularly in its resemblance to American white wood {Liriodendron 

 tulipifera). 



Michelia excelsa, Bl. Weight, 33 lbs. (Gamble). India. 



This wood might well be named Indian " canary-wood," the resem- 

 blance to American whitewood {Liriodendron tulipifera) or canary-wood 

 being so strong that it is very doubtful if one could be distinguished from 

 the other. Gamble says it is " the most important building tree of the 

 Upper Darjeeling forests, formerly used largely for planking, door ajid 

 window frames, and furniture, but now scarce. The wood is very 

 durable." 



The pores are exceedingly small and obscure. The medullary rays 

 cannot be seen on the transverse section with the lens (12 x), but show 

 in numerous fine, small flecks on the radial section. 



Millettia pendula, Bth. Weight, 66 lbs. India, Burma. 



This is a very beautiful wood possessing a rare figure, and it would 

 be much sought for if a regular supply were established. It is of a dark 

 chocolate colour, with black and reddish streaks, and somewhat resembles 

 a rich dark partridge wood. It is capable of a smooth surface, but 

 requires a sharp tool. It finishes with a bright metallic lustre. It would 

 be valuable for cabinet work and inlay, and for wjilking sticks and turned 

 articles of a decorative nature. 



The pores are scarce, and generally plugged with gum. The medullary 

 rays are very fine indeed, although clear cut ; they are parallel and 

 exceedingly numerous, and crossed by pretty, wavy lines of Ught ripples 

 following the concentric layers. 



