THE MAHOGANIES OF COMMERCE 53 
The number of varieties of this wood which are 
classed in commerce under the name of mahogany is 
considerable. From the old Puerto Plata wood from 
the Island of St. Domingo to the Gaboon wood brought 
from the French Congo on the West Coast of Africa, 
there is an extensive range which those in close 
familiarity can generally distinguish by their external 
appearance, by noting their texture, growth, colour, and 
other points of variation. Scientific experts, however, 
appear dubious as to any connection. Mr. Herbert 
Stone, an authority on the microscopical identification 
of timbers, in his interesting book entitled The Timbers 
of Commerce and their Identification, expresses his 
opinion as follows: ‘‘ The various species of mahogany 
and so-called cedar are so confusing that I confess to 
the inability to make any precise statements either 
as regards their structure or origin. I know of no 
convincing proof that any of the American kinds met 
with on the English market are the wood of Swietenia 
Mahogont, nor that those shipped from Africa are the 
wood of Khaya Senegalensis. These two genera are 
very nearly allied to Cedrela and Melia, and it is difficult 
to separate any of the four from the rest by the char- 
acters of the wood. After giving the most careful 
attention to every detail I lean to the view that most, 
if not all, of the mahogany met with are Cedrelas.”’ 
All the mahoganies noted later are recognised in 
commerce as mahogany, although doubts as to one or 
two are at times expressed. Before commencing 
a few observations on the different varieties, a few re- 
marks on the interesting subject of figure and figured 
logs may be given. One of the attractions of this fine 
wood for the manufacture of furniture and other uses 
is the beautiful figure which is occasionally to be met 
with in the logs; one may be what is termed “roey,” 
