THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
329 
is found to be of great value, and is applied to the most 
useful purposes. Owing to the firm texture of this wood, 
which is uncommonly hard, it is able both to endure the 
intense heat of the sun without splitting, and also to re- 
sist the attacks of ants and other vcrmine with which warm 
climates abound. On these accounts tick-wood is much 
used for tables, chairs, and other pieces of household furni- 
ture, as well as for building vessels, &c. which are much 
exposed to the rays of the sun. At Bombay it is frequently 
employed in the construction of ships ; and these are found 
quite as durable and adapted for every service as those 
made of oak. 
Nando-wood is also used in furniture of various sorts ; 
but it is not near so highly esteemed for this or any other 
purpose as tick-wood. 
Satin-wood is very much employed by the Dutch in their 
tables, chairs, and couches; and when properly finished it 
has a very handsome appearance. 
The most beautiful wood however which the island affords 
is the calamander. The colour is nearly black with white 
and brownish streaks, which, when it is highly polished, 
appear with uncommon beauty. The natives employ it 
much in household furniture and writing desks ; but al- 
though a considerable quantity of these articles are manu- 
factured, the beahty and elegance of their appearance ren- 
der the demand still greater, and they are consequently 
very high-priced. 
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