192 TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [chap. 



heart-shake into two segments, and from these " squares " 

 " planks " and various scantlings were produced by the 

 axe, quite clear of shakes. 



The Malabar Teak is very good in quality, and is 

 generally darker in colour, denser, and a trifle stronger 

 than Burmah Teak, when tested, one piece against 

 another. But, as the trees are so much less useful on 

 account of the defects before mentioned, it is probable 

 the Burmah Teak will always have the preference for 

 manufacturing purposes. Malabar Teak is a few pounds 

 heavier per cubic foot than Burmah.* 



I tested, when in Burmah, all the varieties of Teak 

 that were then drawn from the Tenasserim forests, and 

 found a very considerable difference in their transverse 

 strength ; this, however, may probably be attributed to 

 the variations of soil, and to the length of fibre in the 

 grain. 



Thus the transverse strength of the Thoungyeen was 

 proved to be 284 lbs., the Karanee 271 lbs., the Attaran 

 201 lbs., and the Laingbooe only 175 lbs. per square 

 inch, the mean strength being 233 lbs. per square inch. 

 The several specimens tried were each of them 2 x 2 x 84 

 inches, supported on props six feet apart, with the weight 

 applied, as usual, in the middle; the result being that 

 the Thoungyeen and the Attaran both broke with a long 

 splintery fracture, while the others snapped off very 

 short. 



In some experiments more recently conducted in 

 this country on twelve pieces of Moulmein Teak of the 



* An effort has recently been made to open up afresh the resources of 

 the Annamallays ; but owing to the faulty character of the trees, and from 

 having to convey the logs a distance of about forty miles by land-carriage to a 

 port of shipment, it is thought to be extremely doubtful whether it can ever 

 compete ii> the European market with the Teak timber of Burmah. 



