CHAPTEE XIV 
" FIGURE " IN TIMBER 
" Figure " in Timber— Timber Suitable for Carving— Timber Used for 
Veneer — Markings on Timber. 
Many theories have been propounded as to the cause of 
" figure " in timber ; while it is true that all timber possesses 
" figure" in some degree, which is more noticeable if it be 
cut in certain ways, yet there are some in which it is more 
conspicuous than in others, and which for cabinet or 
furniture work are much appreciated, as it adds to the 
value of the work produced. 
The characteristic figure of oak is due to the broad 
and deep medullary rays so conspicuous in this timber, and 
the same applies to New Zealand honeysuckle. Figure 
due to the same cause is found in the beach and plane, but 
is not so pronounced. The beautiful figure in " bird's eye 
maple " is supposed to be due to the boring action of insects 
in the early wood of the tree, causing pits or grooves, which 
in time become filled up by being overlain by fresh layers of 
wood ; these peculiar and unique markings are only found 
in the older and inner portion of the tree. 
Pitch pine has sometimes a very beautiful figure, but it 
generally does not go deep into the timber ; walnut has 
quite a variety of figures, and so has English elm. It is 
in mahogany, however, that we find the greatest variety of 
figure, and as this timber is only used for furniture and 
fancy work, a good figuring greatly enhances the value, 
finely figured logs fetching fancy prices. 
