2o8 TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [chap. 



THE SAL [Shorea robusta). 



This is one of the most important trees of India, 

 found growing gregariously in the North-East and inter- 

 mediate moist regions, the sub-Himalayas, Assam, &c. 

 It has a small, whitish, and almost useless sap-wood, 

 and a deep brown, hard, fibrous, and cross-grained 

 heart, weighing between 50 and 60 lbs. per cubic foot. 

 Although it warps and splits on seasoning, this wood is 

 almost unrivalled for strength, elasticity, and durability, 

 and is extensively used throughout Northern India for 

 piles, works of construction, and particularly for sleepers. 

 Unfortunately it is so difficult to float that its extraction 

 is costly. It abounds in aromatic resinous substances, 

 which no doubt enhance its durability. It is a pity this 

 and other Indian species of Shorea and the allied genera 

 Dipterocarpus and Hopea are not better known in Europe, 

 as their qualities are thoroughly appreciated in India. 



THE SISSOO {Dalbergia Sissoo) 



is one of the most valuable of Indian timbers where 

 strength and elasticity are required. It is a large de- 

 ciduous tree of the sub-Himalayan tract, with dark 

 brown, veined heart-wood of close texture, and very 

 hard and heavy. It seasons well, without warping or 

 splitting, and is very strong, elastic, and durable. It is 

 extensively employed for all kinds of construction and 

 building work in North India, and has stood the severest 

 tests as material for wheels of ordnance carriages. It 

 should also be valuable for carving. Unfortunately it is 

 not so easily procurable in quantity now as it used to be. 

 Dalbergia latifolia, the Blackwood or Rosewood of 

 Southern India, is a closely allied timber-tree of the 



