26 MAI YANG. 
erecting iron bridges may be obtained by taking Mai 
Yang. Planks from this wood are superior to planks 
from softwood trees such as Tabek and Mai Kwao. It is 
also an excellent firewood. The natives along the Korat 
line supplied it as firewood till an order from the Govern- 
ment stopped it. For cremation pyres of Royal perso- 
nages, posts of Mai Yang have been used for generations 
and no trouble has been spared to bring these giant logs 
down to Bangkok. 
The resinous oil may be taken out of the tree about 
20 times a year, after it has reached a certain size, about 
1.60 in girth. At an age of about 30 years, a hole is cut 
into the stem 1 m.-1.50 m. above ground and and a fire is 
kept burning with dried leaves in that hole. After 3 days 
the oil starts running into it and it is then taken away to 
be refined and sold. The price of a: kerosine oil tin of 
good wood-oil is locally 1.50-2.50 tes. 20-30 tins give 150- 
200 Ibs. of oil capable of making 2,000-3,000 torches (Bur- 
ma Forest Report 1881-1882). 80-90 torches in bundles 
of 10 pieces cost locally only 1 tical. 
