258 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



Sissoo. Dalbergia Sissoo, Roxb. Weight, 48 lbs. India. 



The timber of sissoo is probably unknown to any but those possessing 

 an intimate knowledge of India and its forest wealth. Yet sissoo is one 

 of the most valuable of timbers, and in its qualities practically unique. 

 The grain is so remarkable that the native craftsman can work the most 

 delicate and intricate carving to a depth which the European would 

 probably believe to be impossible of achievement in any wood. The 

 native princes in India possess works of this character which would 

 astonish the craftsmen of this country who have not previously been 

 familiar with the wood and the native workmanship. 



The colour is a rich warm brown, sometimes having golden or deeper 

 brown streaks, and darkening on exposure. The texture is firm, hard, 

 and compact. It is very strong and durable, and seasons well without 

 warping, twisting, or splitting, while it takes a beautiful polish. It is 

 extensively used in India for a variety of purposes. Gamble says : " As 

 a furniture wood and for carving, it is probably the finest wood in India ; 

 while with regard to its durability and strength as a wood for wheels, 

 Clifford says : ' The wheels of our ordnance carriages have never failed, 

 however arduous or lengthened the service has been on which they have 

 been employed, of which no more striking example can be furnished 

 than the campaign in Afghanistan, about the most trying country in 

 the world for wheels. Some of our batteries served throughout the 

 campaign, went to Bameean and even to the Hindoo Koosh, and. came 

 back again to India without a breakdown, while Royal Artillery wheels, 

 built of the very best materials Woolwich could produce, specially for 

 Indian service, almost fell to pieces after a few months' exposure and 

 service on the plains of India.' " Sissoo gives a very handsome appear- 

 ance when used for parquet flooring. If a regular supply of this timber 

 were forthcoming it would become an assured success. 



The pores are scarce, the larger connecting with a ring of smaller, 

 and making a handsome ripple pattern on the transverse grain. The 

 medullary rays are very fine, numerous, and parsdlel, and are crossed at 

 right angles by similar white lines. 



Snakewood. Brosimum Aubletii, Sw. Weight, 77-S3 lbs. (Stone 

 and Freeman). British Guiana. 



This is also called letter-wood. It is imported in short round logs 

 from about 3 to 6 feet long and about 3 to 7 inches in diameter with the 

 sap-wood cut off. The wood is very hard, dense, and close-grained, and 

 is rather brittle ; it is generally of a faulty description, and supplies are 

 growing more scarce. The colour of the heart-wood is a deep bright red, 

 which darkens on exposure. It is more or less marked with dark or black 



