STRAITS SETTLEMENTS AND MALAY AECHIPELAGO 197 
Kajoe Bessi {Erijthroxylon sjj.), another of these so-called 
ironwoods oE Borneo and the neighbouring islands, is 
much used by the Government for building bridges, piers, 
houses, etc. It is very hard, has a long life, and can be 
obtained in lengths of 60 ft. and a foot square. 
Kariskes {Mimusoiis sp.), is another very hard wood from 
the same locality, which can be got in lengths up to 90 ft. 
and 1 foot diameter. 
Possi Possi {Sonneratia acida) or Malay river willow, 
though not a true willow, can be obtained 60 ft. long and 
1 foot diameter. 
There are two mangrove trees known by the name Tring 
(Bruguiera and llhizopliora) found in the Celebes and also in 
Australia, from which logs 120 ft. long can be got, but 
only 9 inches in diameter. • Mr. James also tested these 
timbers (Kajoe Bessi, Kariskes, Possi Possi, and Tring) at Port 
Darwin, and found that Kajoe Bessi, Kariskes, and Tring 
were attacked by the teredo in eighteen weeks, but all four 
timbers resisted better than either Karri or Jarrah. They 
were all partly destroyed by white ants after being buried 
in the ground for twenty-five weeks. 
Merabau or Miraboo {Afzelia hakeri), one of the most 
important timber trees of the Malay Peninsula, is fairly 
abundant in Perak and Selangor, and extends as far north as 
Siam. The timber is dark brown in colour, hard, and very 
durable. It is one of the best for sleepers, and also takes 
a fine polish. The medullary rays are fine. 
Weight 55 lbs. per cubic foot. 
Molave {Vitex geniculata) , probably allied to the Milla of 
Ceylon, is a tree found in the Philippines, which yields a 
wood extensively used in the islands, of very durable 
