TIMBEES OF BEITISH GUIANA 
129 
Cedar {Tcica altissima) is also found in British and French 
Guiana. A reddish brown wood, most serviceable and 
valuable for cabinet-making, which may be obtained in 
long lengths up to 2 ft. square. It is not so plentiful as 
the variety known as white cedar, which is very durable in 
the ground as foundation timber. 
Locust {Hymencea courharil) is abundant in some j)arts of 
the river forests of Guiana ; it is also common in the 
West India Islands, and yields, by tapping, the gum 
animi of commerce which is largely used in the manufac- 
ture of varnish. The wood is heavy, of a streaky brown 
colour somewhat resembling mahogany, but harder ; the 
sapwood is a dirty white and often 4 inches wide ; it is 
close grained and tough, saws and planes readily, and is 
much stronger than English oak in all ways. It is used 
for furniture, mill engine beds, makes good treenails for 
timber quays, and is not liable to shrink or warp. The 
Indians make wood-skin canoes from the bark. To be 
obtained in large logs up to 18 inches square. 
Variable weights are given, from 33 to 59 lbs. per cubic foot. 
Kakaralli (Lecythis ollaria), which grows in the same 
districts as greenheart and is said by some to be more 
durable and to resist the teredo very well, produces a very 
heavy wood of a light brown colour, close grained and 
tough, with a smooth surface and a feel like ebony. 
Should make a useful timber for wharves, dock gates, etc., 
but cannot be got in lengths exceeding 40 ft. and 10 to 
14 inches square. 
Weight about 61 lbs. per cubic foot. 
Waibaima {Nectandra sp.) is another of the greenheart 
species abundant in Guiana. Logs of great length and 20 
to 28 inches wide can be obtained. For ships' planking it 
T. K 
