recommended (l). The U. S. Forest Products Laboratory schedule that 
appears most appropriate for 4/4 stock is T4-D2 (28). Shrinkage data for 
roble bianco are given in table 2. 
When tested at Yale University, roble bianco showed only fair weathering 
characteristics. Exposed, unpainted wood remained free from warp but 
developed surface roughness and considerable checking. The heartwood 
readily absorbs moisture (32). 
Durability 
The heartwood of roble bianco is variable in its resistance to decay. It 
is given an average rating of "moderately durable" in resistance to a 
white-rot fungus ( Polyporus versicolor ) and "very durable" in its resistance 
to a brown-rot fungus ( Poria monticola ) (32). It is rated low in resistance 
to insect attack by Dickinson, et al (4.), but a report by the Forest Depart- 
ment of British Honduras indicates that resistance to fungal and insect 
attack is moderately high (11). 
Working Characteristics 
Roble bianco is very easy to work with both hand and machine tools and 
takes a smooth finish. It holds its place well when manufactured. It has 
good nailholding characteristics, but it is advisable to prebore the nail 
holes in thick stock. The wood finishes attractively in natural color and 
takes stains with good results (4, 5, 21, 27). 
Uses 
The wood is used locally for ox yokes, house construction, boat building, 
piling, carpentry, interior finish and flooring, wagons, and packing boxes 
(2 j 4, 21, 24., 29, 33). The future demand for the wood in this country 
will probably be for uses for which it is now best known, namely furniture, 
millwork, flooring, and general construction (4J. 
Structure 
Growth rings may be distinct to indistinct. They are delimited by an in- 
crease in fiber density and fine lines of terminal parenchyma. Vessels 
are distinct without magnification and appear on quartersawn or flatsawn 
surfaces as coarse brown grooves. Parenchyma is terminal, wing-like 
about the pores, and confluent. Ripple marks are distinct and regular 
(2> 1> ii> i£)- 
Rept. No. 1980 -4- 
