CHAP. xx. ] INDIAN TEAK. 113 
believed to be plentiful in Siam,* and is found on 
several of the islands in the Indian seas. 
The Teak is a deciduous tree, and prefers shelter 
to bring it to the greatest perfection. It is of straight 
growth, and is remarkable for its large drooping leaves, 
which are from 10 to 20 inches in length, and from 8 to 
1§ inches in breadth. It frequently attains the height 
of 80 or 100 feet, with a circumference of from 6 to 
10 feet, and yields timber in the log 23 to 50 feet in 
length and 10 to 30 inches square, these being the sizes 
commonly shipped to this country. 
The wood varies from yellow or straw to a brownish 
colour ; is moderately hard and strong, clean, even, and 
straight in the grain, and is easily worked; it shrinks 
very little in seasoning, and has no shakes upon the 
outer surfaces of the log. It will split, however, unless 
care is observed in applying the fastenings when brought 
into use. The quality of the timber depends very much 
upon the locality in which it is grown, and is exceedingly 
variable. Teak wood contains a resinous oil which clogs 
its pores and resists the action of water, and it often 
oozes into and congeals in the shakes which radiate 
* Since the foregoing was written, a sample of about 200 loads of Teak 
timber, the produce of Siam, has been imported into London from 
Bangkok (1873). In dimensions it compared favourably with the Burmah 
Teak, was quite straight, and of a pale yellowish colour, plain in the grain, — 
moderately hard, and apparently of about the same specific gravity. As 
a parcel, however, it was faulty at the pith or centre, in having most 
injurious heart and star-shakgs, only about 20 per cent. of the logs being 
fit for conversion into plank or board; the remainder, owing to the defects 
referred to, could only be profitably employed in bulk, or reduced to 
scantlings, which would involve a heavy loss. 
The sound and solid wood in the logs, however, was very good ; and I 
am of opinion that if the timber is only carefully sorted over at Bangkok, 
good shipments might be made for the London market. 
