LIST OF WOODS. 219 



want of some particular information, or the neglect of some little 

 precaution. 



The jury have endeavoured to make the most of the materials 

 at their command, and have spared no pains to obtain the most 

 authentic information within their reach upon a subject con- 

 fessedly difficult ; but a comparison of their report with the nu- 

 merical lists of specimens will show how large a number of the 

 samples are of little practical value, from the causes above noticed. 

 They briefly mention the points to which contributors should pay 

 special attention : — 



NOMENCLATURE. 



Most of the woods in general use have a variety of names, 

 and much confusion arises from this circumstance. There is 

 first the local name, varying often in the same district. This 

 should always be given in the native character, whether Tamil, 

 Telugu, Hindustani, &c. Many woods have also a commercial 

 name, by which they are known in the market, as " Trin- 

 comallee" wood, " Coromandel" wood, &c. These names are 

 sometimes derived from the place of export ; but often it is im- 

 possible to trace their derivation. If this name is known, it 

 should also be given, as it is very desirable to identify some 

 valuable woods known in Europe only by their commercial name. 

 Lastly, there is the botanical name, the sure determination of 

 which is a matter of the first importance ; for if this be known, 

 the tree can be identified with certainty all over the world. It 

 is very necessary, therefore, that the means of determining this 

 should be furnished with each specimen. A small shoot, bearing 

 flowers, fruit, and full-grown leaves, either together or separately, 

 pressed flat and dried, so as to be fixed on a sheet of paper, is 

 such a specimen as is required ; and if it comprehends all these 

 parts, is a representation of the largest tree in the forest, and 

 gives a sufficient idea of the plant to the botanist to enable him 

 to find its place in the Systema Vegetabilium. The fruit and 

 seeds sometimes will not bear compression; in that case they 

 should be sent separately. Succulent fruits are best preserved 

 in a strong solution of salt. It is important to observe how the 

 specimens should be marked. Paper labels are unsafe, writing 



