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WOODS OF THE INDO-BURMESE PROVINCES, 



BY M. C. COOKE, F.S.S. 



The somewhat vague title of this paper is intended to include 

 under one general name the maritime provinces lying immediately to the 

 east of the mouths of the Ganges ; i. e., Arracan, Prome, Tounghoo, 

 Tharawaddee, Benzada, Bassein, Rangoon, Martaban, and the Tenas- 

 serim provinces. Each wood is noticed as briefly as possible, so as to 

 restrict the list within a reasonable space. It is believed that the present 

 will be found to be the most complete catalogue yet attempted of the 

 woods of these provinces. 



Ain, or Aintha {Dipterocarpus grandiflora). — An immense tree, found 

 at Tavoy and elsewhere. 



Aing {Dipterocarpus alatus). — Light-brown. Found in the Tounghoo 

 and Prome districts ; excellent for housebuilding, especially posts. It is 

 the Battee sal of Bengal. 



Anan ; Annan-tha (Cyrtopliyllum fragrans). — Yellowish-white. In 

 the Tenasserim provinces. One of the hardest and most compact woods 

 known. The Burmese think it too good for any but sacred purposes. 

 " Neither heat nor moisture will warp or rot it ; it is impervious to the 

 attacks of ants, and the teredo will not touch it. Employed for piles, 

 posts, housebuilding, &c. 



Baibyah ; Bahai-bya {Conocarpus rdbustus). — White. Plentiful in 

 Pegu, Tounghoo, and Prome forests, with teak. Very large and strong 

 timber. Useful for furniture, and might become available in shipbuilding. 

 Banbwai ; Banboay ; Bhan-bhway ; Bambooee {Careya arbored). — 

 Red. Very common in Burmah. Timber large. Chief material of which 

 the carts of the country are made. Very useful wood. 



Bee-ew. — Trees abundant near the sea all over the provinces. The 

 wood is strong and hard. Employed in rice-mills wherever strength and 

 durability are required. 



Bokemaiza (Kydia calycina). — White wood, plentiful through the 

 forests, especially in the Pegu and Tounghoo districts. Small saplings are 

 used by the natives for banghy-sticks ; it is large enough to afford timber 

 of 3 or 4 feet girth. 



Bone-bayaza (Excecaria agallocha). — White. Found in the Rangoon 

 and Tounghoo districts, plentiful. 



Bong-long-tha. — Found all over the provinces. Durable, yet light, 

 with a straight grain. Much employed by the Burmese. 



Book-tha. — Found on the sea-coast from Amherst to Mergui. Used 

 by the Burmese for helves, but rots quickly. 



Bwai-jin ; Bijion (Bauliinia parviflord). — White. Plentiful through- 

 out the Tounghoo and Prome forests. Girth 3 to 4 feet. Applicable for 

 house-work. It is heavy and compact. 



