XV, 4 
Oshima: Formosan Termites 
353 
These results agree quite well with those obtained at Tainan, 
although the Philippine woods molave and ipil have been slightly- 
attacked by Odontotermes formosanus. It is a striking fact 
that teak and cypress pine, which are said to be absolutely im- 
mune ’from termites in the Tropics, are also free from the attack 
of two species of Formosan termites; namely, Odontotermes 
formosanus and Coptotermes formosanus. It seems reasonable, 
therefore, to conclude that teak and cypress pine are absolutely 
immune timbers. 
The following paragraphs are quoted from Boulger : 5 
Cypress pine; Callitris glauca R. Br. (?); family Coniferae. Renowned 
for its pleasant odor — camphoraceous or sometimes reminding one of san- 
dal-wood — and its great power of resistance to insect pests. Cypress 
pine is about the last timber that the white ant will attack. Some of 
the species, the red or black pine in particular, produce very showy timber; 
in fact, many of the planks are so gorgeous in appearance that care is 
required in using it for decorative purposes, lest it should have too over- 
powering an effect. At the same time much of the timber is of a quite, 
handsome character. The prevailing color of the figure is grown of 
various shades. It may be readily dressed to a smooth and glossy surface. 
It is extensively used in buildings liable to be attacked by white ants, for 
house blocks, linings, and ceilings of houses, and for telegraph poles. It 
is one of the most luxurious firewoods; it burns well, and in burning 
emits a delicious fragrance very generally admired. It is chiefly distrib- 
uted in the drier parts of New South Wales, but some is available in the 
north coast district of Australia. 
Teak; Tectona grandis L. ; family Verbenaceae. It reaches a height 
of 80 to 100 feet, diameter 3 to 4 feet, sometimes larger. Trunk straight, 
leaves large, drooping, and deciduous, simple and opposite, with a dense 
mat of velvety hairs beneath, varying in size from 19—33 centimeters 
long, and 13.5-22 centimeters wide, though sprout leaves are much larger. 
Color of the timber is light straw-color to a brownish red, when fresh, 
but darkening on exposure. Some of the teak of the Decan is beautifully 
veined, streaked and mottled. Teak varies much according to locality and 
soil, that of Malabar being darker, heavier, and rather stronger, but not 
so large as that of Burma. Though without shakes on its outer surfaces, 
teak nearly always has a heartshake, which, owing to a twist in the 
growth, may often at the top be at right angles to what it is at the butt, 
thus seriously interfering with conversion, though often little affecting 
the use of the timber in bulk. In these shakes an excretion of apatite or 
phosphate of lime consolidates in white masses, which will turn the edge 
of most tools. Teak splits readily and is easily worked, but it owes its 
superiority for ship-building over both pine and oak in part to its freedom 
from any change of form or warping, when once seasoned, even under 
the extreme climatic variations. In India teak is used for railway sleepers, 
bridges, buildings and furnitures. 
Teak is very fragrant when fresh and resembles rosewood, owing to 
an oleo-resin which also renders the wood probably the most durable of 
5 Boulger, G. S., Wood. 
