CHAPTER XIII 
THE HARDWOOD TIMBERS OF CENTRAL AND 
SOUTH AMERICA 
A RICH wealth of valuable woods is to be found in 
the above regions. Large areas, notably Brazil and 
some of the Northern parts of South America, are 
practically unexploited in this respect, and, although 
a fair number of specimens are well known, many 
more still remain that are awaiting recognition. Over 
400 species in Brazil alone are said to be known at 
the present time, most of them, however, being un- 
identified. Previous mention has been made in a 
separate chapter of the mahoganies with which the 
districts of Central America are so richly afforested, 
and it now only remains to make some few observations 
on the further species of timber which are obtained 
from these tropical districts, and also from the further 
areas of South America. 
Satin Woods.—From most of the West Indian Islands 
this beautiful wood is obtained in more or less quantities 
and in varying qualities ; the finest, however, is shipped 
from St. Domingo and Puerto Rico. The wood is of 
a clear, bright yellow colour, dense, hard and heavy, 
and at times is beautifully figured. It has for many 
years past been held in high estimation as a material 
for cabinet-making, and some of the much sought- 
after pieces of furniture of the latter part of the 
eighteenth century were partly, or wholly, veneered 
with wood which doubtless had its origin in the Island 
of St. Domingo. A fair supply is still shipped from this 
Island in squared logs up to about 15 or 16 in. square, 
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