CHARACTERISTICS OF PORTO RICAN WOODS. 27 



clearly mark the layers of growth. The wood fibers are strongly 

 interlaced ( a crossgraiued , '), giving a "tough/ 7 uncleavable character to 

 the wood. 



The samples of mora, guayacan, hueso, and ucare blanca show a tend- 

 ency to check and warp in seasoning, while ausnbo, ucare negro, pata 

 de caba, hachuelo, and algarrobo appear to maintain good form in dry- 

 ing out. The injury from checking of the former is, however, not great, 

 and appears not to impair the usefulness of these woods for certain 

 purposes. All are capable of receiving a high polish and require but 

 little " filling." 



Ausubo, ucare negro, pata de caba, hachuelo, and algarrobo are emi- 

 nently cabinet woods of great value and attractiveness, mora and ucare 

 blanca are less attractive for this purpose, but may have limited use. 

 Guayacan and ausubo are especially adapted for small turnery, tool- 

 handles, etc., where great hardness and wearing qualities are needed. 

 Pata de caba and algarrobo closely resemble the rosewoods of commerce. 

 With a permanent black stain, ucare negro and hachuelo are useful 

 substitutes for ebony. Ausubo is similar in appearance and a good 

 substitute for the valuable "coccobola" (coccoloba), so much imitated 

 by inferior woods. 



Laurel sabino, cedro, capa blanca, capa prieta, guaraguao, and maga 

 are characteristically lighter, softer, and coarser grained than the nine 

 species above mentioned. The weight of these samples varies but 

 little, the average being 38 pounds per cubic foot. 



With the exception of laurel sabino, all are attractive in grain and 

 suitable for finishing woods. 



Description in detail. 



The following descriptions give the specific characters of the various 

 samples : 



Mora. — Color, bright orange-brown, probably darkening with age 

 and exposure. Marked on the radial section with parallel light and 

 dark streaks. Large ducts arranged in wavy, irregular lines; lines 

 also irregularly broken into crescent-shaped groups. Medullary rays 

 distinct, rather coarse. Eadially cut and polished surface satiny. 

 Similar in general appearance to osage orange. Largely used for fellies. 



G-uayacan. — Heartwoocl dull yellowish-brown, with dark olive- 

 brown streaks; sap wood pale yellow, with brownish areas. Minute 

 ducts occurring singly and evenly scattered. Medullary rays very 

 small and indistinct. Smoothed surface, oily to the touch. Exceed- 

 ingly hard, brittle, and difficult to cut. Resembles Guajaeum officinale, 

 and is probably G. sanctum. It grows in comparative abundance in 

 the entire mountain chain and on the southern coast of the island, 

 producing a wood which is very solid and resistant. On this account 

 it is much sought after in the shipyards for blocks and pulleys, 

 for spokes and tires, and many other things which require great 



