202 
TIMBER 
generally. It can be got in lengths up to 30 ft. It has 
also been used in tunnel works in Japan. 
Kuro Matsu, also called Omatsu (Pinus thnnhergii), is 
another of the Japanese pines, a great variety of which 
grow in the country. It is of a hardy nature and a com- 
mon tree of the hill forests. Although coarser and less 
resinous than aka matsu it is frequently used with the 
latter for works in dry situations. The above pine timbers 
are inferior in strength to their European prototypes, as, 
owing to the climatic conditions of the country, they are 
of more rapid and exuberant growth. 
Ash, of which there are something like twelve varieties, 
has recently been sent in large quantities to the English 
markets. It has come in the form of planks ranging from 
to 8 inches thick and 6 to 19 inches wide and up to 
about 30 ft. long, most accurately sawn and practically free 
from heart knots and shakes, straight grained and of good 
texture. It is not so dense as English ash, but compares 
very favourably in quality, texture, and [)rice with Quebec 
wood, has a nice figure, and is well fitted for light carriage 
work. 
A large quantity called "tamo" was recently shipped to 
the Continent, particulars of which were given in the 
Timber Trades Journal of October 12th, 1907. Yachidamo 
is the correct name, and the botanical name is given as 
Fraxinns mandsclmria , showing that the wood is considered 
to be a species of ash, although, seeing that it does not 
quite resemble any species of commercial wood hitherto 
known in Europe, and has many features in common with 
elm and oak, there have been differences of opinion as to 
its classification. It is very beautifully figured, soft and 
easy to work, but nevertheless strong and heavy, and will 
