XXIV.] SABICU. 279 



attained the same dimensions as the Sabicu, and that it 

 could be supplied in large quantities. Itj therefore, 

 appeared to be well worth a consideration, as the im- 

 portation of Sabicu timber was very limited, and scarcely- 

 equal to the demand for it. 



The samples referred to, upon examination at Wool- 

 wich, were found to have been cut from small trees, but 

 so far as could be judged from their appearance, the 

 timber was suitable for use in architecture, and would 

 probably be useful in the domestic arts. 



The wood of the Juba tree is yellow in colour, hard, 

 heavy, strong, close in the grain, and apparently would 

 work up well. The specific gravity is about 1072. 



I have not been able to ascertain that it has ever 

 been brought upon the London market, and think it 

 likely its uses are chiefly confined to the island of Cuba. 



SABICU {Lysiloma Sabicu), 



known also as Savicu, is a native of the West Indies, 

 and is plentiful in Cuba. Its growth is somewhat 

 crooked and irregular, but it yields excellent timber 

 of from 20 to 35 feet in length, and from 11 to 24 

 inches square. 



The wood is of a dark chestnut colour, hard, heavy, 

 strong, close in the grain, and is often twisted or curled 

 in the fibres, which gives it a wavy, or, as it is technically 

 termed, a figured appearance, imparting to it a rich dark 

 colour, which resembles and is sometimes mistaken for 

 Rosewood. It is often on this account of considerable 

 value, and being capable of taking a high polish, is much 

 prized by cabinet-makers and others who employ it for 

 furniture, &c. 



