204 
TIME EE 
is sometimes stained with shibio, the juice of the per- 
simmon darkened by lampblack and ashes, and this is 
some protection from the weather, and does not prevent 
seasoning as paint would do if used over unseasoned wood. 
South African Timber. 
Although the forests of South Africa produce large quan- 
tities of various kinds of trees, only a few have so far been 
found available and suitable for constructional work. 
Amongst these are the following : — 
Sneezewood {Pteroxylon utile) is the best-known native 
timber in Cape Colony for durabiHty, whether used for piles 
in water, superstructures of bridges, or other engineering 
works ; it is heavy, hard, tough, strong, close grained, and 
more difficult to work than teak. It is found in Kaffraria 
and Pondoland. It is seldom possible to cut a log with 
sharp edges up to 12 inches square, neitber is it obtainable 
in long lengths, as the tree only grows to a height of 30 to 
50 ft. Of a yellowish colour, somewhat resembling satin- 
wood in the grain, and is sometimes nicely figured. The 
Dutch name for this wood is Neishout. Besides being the 
chief timber for heavy work,it is employed in cabinet-making 
and carpentry. It derives its name from the irritating 
nature of the dust produced by sawing or working the 
wood, which causes sneezing. The price is high in Cape 
Colony. 
Weight about 68 lbs. per cubic foot. 
Milkwood (Mimitsi)2)s ohovata) is a fairly tougb, close- 
grained wood. 
Red Pear {Scolopia ecklonii) is also a useful hard, close- 
grained timber. 
