124 
Experiments on the Elasticity 
yet seem to have been fully appreciated. The great mechanical resistance it affords 
in cases of strain, however applied, render it unquestionably the most valuable of 
Indian timber yet generally known for engineering purposes. The regularity of its 
deflections is indeed such as to render calculations of the requisite scantling for any 
particular stress at all times simple and sure. 
The general appearance of its fracture beautifully illustrates Mr. Barlow’s theory 
of the axis of motion, or rotation being centrically situated, the uppi'r or compressed 
fibres being smooth as though cut with a sharp knife, those in a state of tension, so 
fine and intimately blended as to resemble those of hemp rope when violently torn 
asunder. 
The saul of the Calcutta market is seldom above .10 feet in length, hut the trees 
grow to a much greater height. From the injudicious practice of squaring it, after 
felling, its mean girt is only about six to seven feet, but must bo naturally much 
greater. 
Saul has lately been very successfully substituted for teak, in many of the compo- 
nent parts of the gun carriages, cheeks, beams, and transoms, poles, and framing 
of gun and ammunition boxes; occasionally spokes, naves, and fellies Its toughness 
in cases of percussion must obviously render it a much safer material than teak to 
be near in action. It has also been used for door and window pannels. It however 
shrinks more from its greater density. 
Soondrbe. Heritiera Minor. Rox. An aquatic timber from the Soondurbuns. 
A very tough and elastic wood, commonly usedfor boats, boat masts, poles, buggy 
shafts, and the spokes of wheels ; but it is a very perishable wood, and shrinks a good 
deal in seasoning. 
Teak. — To both the above woods, the teak (Tectona grttndis) in point of strength 
and elasticity is decidedly inferior; its brittleness renders it indeed rather hazardous 
to stand near the specimens when subjected to heavy strain, as the pieces, some- 
times several of them, fly with considerable impetus in different directions. 
A reference to the tables will show that, of a great number of specimens tried, three 
only, 80, 81, 88, at all approximate in results to those of Mr, Barlow : the mean S. 
of my experiments is about 2078 ; of Mr. Barlow's 2462, a number which exceeds 
that of the saul tried by me. M u. Barlow's specimens must therefore have been vast- 
ly superior to any in common use throughout India, for the comparative superiority 
of saul in point of strength is, I believe, indisputable. 
The teak grows to a great height, 70 to 80 feet, and more, hut cannot be easily ob- 
tained good of that size, the heart being frequently very lunch decayed. It is a'dtir- 
able wood, when exposed and not subject to the depredations of white ants, until it 
has been very long in use. The uses to which teak is applied are ton generally known 
to render much remark necessary : planking, boxes, pannelling, doors, windows, 
Venetians, furniture, beams of houses, are amongst the most common. 
SissOOH*. D alter gia Sissooh. Rox, 
In structure somewhat resembles the finer species of teak, lint it is toiwher and 
more elastic ; the Sissooh grows to the height of about 30 feet, hut it is generally 
rather crooked, and therefore not so well adapted for beams; Sissooh is said to get 
harder with age. 
It is by the natives employed for house furniture, beams, cheeks, spokes, naves, and 
spokes and fellies of wheels, keels and frames of boats, blocks, printing presses’ and 
generally in all work where crooked timber is required. 
Jarool red. A fine even wood in structure, and grows to great size in the Chit- 
tagong district, but that brought to the Calcutta market is too small to be of much 
use, except for picture frames, and other similar purposes. 
nf l!!™! 1 '?? f0rcsts be ncarl y cleared of the best, or thorny species 
bnlldtog!’ arC ,e ValUC; ilis COnsidered a treacherous wood in ship 
Gomar or Gumbhar Wood. Specific gravity a 00 ; a light and easily frangible 
wood, produced both in the Morung and Chittagong forests - the latter of i pale 
stronger, this wood (though not to be trusted in stress of any kind! is Jell cslcu- 
fOTDictare S f™ pk " klr ‘-‘ r ’ P ai ? neU ‘ n ?> bli[1 ' ls and Venetians, ami is in much estimation 
P ‘ PeS ’ S0UncUngb0artlS ’ and ° ther work where shrin- 
* See note, preceding page. 
