XXV.] 



VARIOUS. 



303 



Table CXXIII. 

 Vertical Exferiments. 



The principal dicotyledonous timbers of South Africa 

 are: — 



Stink-wood {Ocotea bullatd), yielding a timber not 

 unlike Walnut and regarded as a substitute for Teak, 

 and which emits a strong and peculiar odour when 

 worked. 



Sneeze-wood {Pteroxylon utile), perhaps the most 

 valuable large timber in Cape Colony and Natal. 

 The name is said to be due to the irritant action of the 

 dust given off in working. Large logs can be obtained, 

 and the grain is very beautiful, somewhat resembling 

 Satin-wood. It contains a gum-resin like substance, 

 and burns briskly. Unfortunately it is extremely hard 

 and difficult to convert, drawbacks which, together with 

 its irregularities of growth, must be set off against its 

 undoubted value as a durable and handsome wood for 

 many purposes of engineering, carpentry, and cabinet 

 work. 



Assegai- wood [Curtisea fagined), a bright red, close, 

 tough furniture wood. 



