LIST OF WOODS. 231 



53. Dalbergia sissoides. Blackwood. Biti-maram, Mai. — This 

 is a smaller tree than D. latifolia, but more common in the 

 forests ; both yield a black wood, in Madras indiscriminately 

 called " Bosewood." The wood contains much oil, which unfits 

 it for receiving paint. (Wight, No. 21 ; Travancore, Palghat, 

 Canara.) 



54. Dalbergia sissoo. Sissu, Tel. — Introduced from Bengal at 

 the recommendation of Dr Wallich ; grows to a large size ; has 

 been planted on the banks of the Tumbhadra, and is thriving 

 wonderfully. It is growing extensively in the cantonment of 

 Masulipatam as an avenue tree, and has been planted in some 

 places on the banks of the Kistna Anicut. There are few trees 

 which so much deserve attention, considering its rapid growth, 

 its beauty, and its usefulness. .Wood hard, strong, tenacious, 

 and compact ; whilst its great durability combines to render it 

 one of the most valuable timbers known. The tree grows rapidly, 

 is propagated and reared with facility, and it early attains a. good 

 working condition of timber. It is used in Bengal for gun car- 

 riages. (Hort. G-ard. 39 ; Bengal.) 



55. Dillenia pentagyna. , Kanagalu, Can. — A stately forest 

 tree, common on the face of the W. ghats. The wood is said. to be 

 exceedingly strong and durable, even when buried under ground. 

 This wood splits easily, and hence is much prized by firewood 

 contractors. (Wight, No. 74 ; Coimbatore, Travancore.) 



56. Diospyros cordifolia. Vuckana-maram, Tarn. — A hard 

 heavy wood, coloured dark-brown. It is difficult to work. (Wight, 

 No. 121 ; Travancore, Tinnevelly.) 



57. Diospyros ebenaster. Acha-maram, Tarn. — Ebony of very 

 superior quality is procurable in the W. districts, as well as the. 

 N. Circars. Mr Bohde has received 16-inch planks, of a fine 

 uniform black. Ebony is much affected by the weather, on 

 which account European cabinetmakers seldom use it except in 

 veneer. To prevent splitting, it should be well covered. 



The tree bearing the name " Acha" at Madras is Hardwickia 

 binata. (Wight, No. 1 ; Travancore, Coorg.) 



58. Diospyros mabola (often called "Mangosteen," under which 

 name it is cultivated in gardens at Vizagapatam). 



59. Diospyros melanoxylon. Ebony. •Tumbi-maram, Tarn. — 



