204 J. V. DE COQUE. 



minute round crystals similar in colour to the timber. After the 

 tree reaches maturity rot invariably sets in beginning at the 

 heart it gradually widens in a circle round it. This rot is damp, 

 spongy to the touch, and a reddish-brown colour, where any 

 defects exist in the tree communicating with the heart, the rot 

 attacks them and rapidly fills the cavities. 



It is unfortunately in most districts attacked more or less by a 

 small insect or borer. The holes made by this pest are very small 

 and round, some of them being no larger than a pin's point, hence 

 the name "pinholes," by which they are known. To a casual 

 observer these pinholes seem to have no injurious effect, but as a 

 matter of fact the damage done is often very great. It is a peculiar 

 fact and worthy of note that these borers enter and eat their way 

 through the timber across the grain and generally at right angles, 

 all other hardwood borers follow the grain of the timber as far as 

 my knowledge extends. This timber is unsuitable for ship's 

 planking and decking, even presuming it to be free of pinholes, 

 owing to the fact that it will not hold oakum in consequence of its 

 greasy nature. 



To the architect it should possesss special attractions. It is 

 easily worked, gives a beautiful face under the plane, does not 

 warp or crack, and takes nails and screws readily. For flooring 

 it stands before all other hardwoods For ballroom floors it is 

 extensively used, generally cut not larger than four inches by one 

 and a half inches, but it should not be laid as a floor unseasoned. 



A peculiar property of this timber is that the friction of the 

 feet in dancing causes the greasy substance to rise to the surface 

 producing a perfect natural ballroom floor, yet in the course of a 

 few days, if unused it returns to its natural condition. 



For turned and carved work such as verandah posts, staircase 

 handrailing, etc., it will be found superior to all other hardwoods. 

 In the erection of road bridges it ranks next to ironbark, and has 

 been known to stand well as girders and piles without injury for 

 twenty years. For bridge decking it stands first ; it wears well, 

 and shrinks but little. 



