June 1, 1864.] THE TECHNOLOGIST. 



THE TIMBER TREES OF CEYLON. 483 



some near the lower part of the trunk, whilst in others it is found only- 

 near the middle of the trees, and generally not in. luxuriant trees 

 growing in rich soil, but in those growing in dry, rocky ground. These 

 remarks apply to several of the trees producing variegated or ornamental 

 woods, such as the Tamarind, in which the "beautiful Calamander-like 

 wood is found only in very old trees, and generally in the heart of the 

 lower part of the trunk, or in the roots ; and the differences of soil, 

 climate, and situation have such an effect on the timber of the same 

 species of tree, that unless these facts are taken into account respecting 

 the specimens used as tests, the tables of strength and weight per cubic 

 foot, specific gravity, &c, are not to be depended upon. Again, the 

 times of felling, mode of seasoning, &c., should also be taken into 

 consideration. 



D. Ebenum, Retz. " Kaluwara," S. ; " Acha-marum," " Karungaly," 

 and " Chararum," T., are the names given to this or some of the other 

 trees which produce Ebony. This tree yields the best kind of ebony- 

 wood, and, according to Thwaites, it is not uncommon up to an elevation 

 of 5,000 feet. .:. 



Ebony, like iron-wood of different kinds, is procured from several 

 trees, and in several parts of the world. The late Dr. Roxburgh, in 

 writing about this tree, remarked : — " There are many species of this 

 extensive genus (Diospyros) which yield a hard, black wood. I mean 

 pure, intensely black (not variegated), to all of which we give the general 

 appellation, Ebony. My D. melanoxylon is one, this one a second, 

 Ebenus of Rumphius a third, from all of which I know that of the 

 Naini trees differs essentially, whilst the mountains of Bengal, &c, 

 produce another very distinct species — viz., D. tomentosum.* 



The genera Dombeya, Dalbergia, Bauhinia, and others, produce 

 different sorts of Ebony. 



For two arm-chairs of this wood, sent home by the late Mr. Kenneth 

 Mackenzie, Assistant Colonial Secretary, to his father, 501. was offered 

 in Scotland. The wood is so hard and difficult to work, except by those 

 acquainted with it, that the local cabinet-maker who was employed to 

 put castors on these two chairs gave up the job after putting castors 

 on one, and breaking all his ordinary tools in the undertaking. The 

 wood is so heavy, that nearly all the ships leaving Ceylon take a quan- 

 tity of it in their holds, as ballast, beneath the lighter cargo of oil, 

 coffee, &c. 



D. oocarpa, Thw. " Kalu-kadumberia," S., Kornegalle district, and 

 at Haragam, near Kandy. — Judging from it's Singhalese name, the wood 

 of this tree is likely to be fit for cabinet purposes. 



D. insignis, Thw. " Gonna-gaha," S. — Damp forests, up to an 

 elevation of 3,000 feet A valuable timber tree. 



D. oppositifolia, Thw. " Kalu-maedirya," S. — Hinidoon Corle, ivp 



* "Flora Indica," ii., p. 530. 



T T 2 



