MAHOGANY PRODUCTS OF WEST AFRICA 71 
for the Cuba and other cedar which had been used 
for cigar box-making, those central American woods 
having become not only less abundant but more expen- 
sive. It was also found suitable as a substitute for 
other purposes, and a large trade developed, the wood 
being known on the Continent under its French name 
of Okumé. 
Trial shipments were made to the English markets, 
but for some considerable time, although offered at 
low rates, it failed to obtain a footing. Its opportunity 
came when a shortage occurred in the receipts of other 
descriptions of mahogany with a consequent rise in 
values. Consumers then turned to this low-priced 
Gaboon wood, and a rapid ‘increase in the demand 
ensued, and how this increase has expanded in 
British markets may be seen from the few statistics 
appended in relation to this timber. It is a useful wood, 
but this expansion in the demand cannot be put down 
to any great qualities which it possesses, but rather 
to the low rates at which it can be placed upon the 
market. A large proportion is taken by the cabinet 
trades, but other industries also consume great 
quantities; notably the ply-wood trade. 
STATISTICS SHOWING THE GROWTH OF THE IMPORT OF GABOON 
MAHOGANY INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM 
1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 
Tons Tons Tons Tons Tons Tons 
London 441 2,991 5,187 4,791 9,184 8,348 
Liverpool 1,818 5,182 4,205 6,946 3,974 2,266 
Glasgow 4,529 2,240 5,306 6,214 5,424 1,370 
Other ports 70 228 
6,788 10,413 14,768 18,179 18,582 11,984 
Cape Lopez.—Another variety from ports in the 
-French Congo Territory remains to be noticed. It is of 
generally good description, varying in quality, however, 
6—(14604) 
