290 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



many who would not formerly entertain it are now anxious to obtain 

 supplies. 



The colour varies from a Hght straw colour, paler than that of the wood 

 from Burma, to rich brown, equal to any other sort. Some of it is harder 

 to work, heavier in weight and chalky, and the gritty nature of the wood 

 blunts the edges of the tools readily, but the best quality obtainable is as 

 good as any of the Burma or Siam timber, from which it is impossible to 

 distinguish it. It generally contains a more curly and wavy grain, and 

 a much larger proportion of what is termed " roe and mottle " figure. 

 A special feature of Java wood is the dark coloured, ahnost black, streaky 

 marks which it contains, and which make it very attractive when used 

 for panelling or any decorative work. This last quahty is so pronounced 

 that, for those who desire to secure the best appearance in teak panelling 

 or furniture, it would be worth while to specify the use of Java. 



Teak, Surinam. Source unknown. Weight, 70 lbs. 8 oz. (very wet and 

 fresh). Surinam (Dutch Guiana). 



Eight square hewn logs of a timber described as Surinam teak formed 

 part of a cargo which was imported into London during the European 

 war, though intended for Havre. No certain identification is possible, 

 but it is probable that this is the timber described by Stone and Freeman 

 in The Timbers of British Guiana (p. 82), and called " Locust," the 

 product of Hymenoea sp. The wood bears no resemblance to true teak 

 (Tedona grandis) in any respect. 



The colour is a light brick-red, with slightly lighter streaks, or it might 

 be described as " a dark brown to orange-red wood, often streaky," 

 which are the terms used by Stone and Freeman. It is of a hard texture 

 with rather an open grain, and has proved to be a reUable wood, standing 

 well when seasoned, and having all the qualities which would make it 

 durable. It would make a very pretty decorative or cabinet wood, and 

 would also be particularly good for turnery. 



Of its qualities Stone and Freeman say, " A wood of good appearance, 

 which may be of use as a substitute for inferior mahogany. It should be 

 worth a trial for, paving-blocks. Hard to saw, takes nails badly. Fissile, 

 splits easily ; planes and turns moderately hard, but well.'' 



I consider it equal to the best mahoganies, and for many reasons 

 quite unsuitable for paving-blocks. It is essentially a cabinet-maker's 

 and turner's wood. 



The pores are regular and usually even in size ; they are generally 

 single, but sometimes occur in duphcate and triplicate. The medullary 

 rays are strongly defined, and at uneven intervals are joined at right 

 angles by a clear light ring, similar in appearance, which follows the line 

 of the concentric layers and marks their line of growth. 



