150 
WRIGHT : THE GENUS DTOSPYROS 
consisted of ebony. The largest log seen by Mr. Broun 
measured 7 feet in circumference after the sapwood was 
removed. The proportion of black heartwood is said to 
increase on poor soils. 
Rings of growth are inconspicuous, though in the sapwood 
a zoned structure of light and dark bands is presented. 
The area between any two narrow dark bands varies from 
0*2-8 mm. radially. The dark band possesses fibres 
with thick walls and reduced radial diameters ; the wood 
parenchyma traverses these bands of thick-walled fibres 
without reduction in size ; the tracheal elements are equally 
abundant in the dark and light zones. (See pi. IV., fig. 16.) 
There are not sufficient reliable data concerning the rates of 
growth of these trees. One tree at Peradeniya measured 147 
mm. in circumference on 13th August, 1900 ; on 1st March, 
1904, it measured 180 mm.; seedlings two years old may be 
900-1,200 mm. high, and about 15 mm. diameter when grown 
in the open. Mr. Broun states that after passing 3 feet in 
girth they are very slow growing, and that probably a tree 
reaches a girth of 18 inches (4*57 metres) at 25 years, 
26 inches at 75 years, 54 inches at 135 years, and 6 feet at 
the age of 200 years. 
The anatomy and chemistry has been dealt with in the 
preceding part. (See pi. XIX., figs. 1-5.) 
Uses .—The timber is used in China for making chopsticks, 
pipes, and carved stands ; in Europe for turnery, cabinet 
work, piano keys, rulers, walking sticks, brushes, and general 
furniture. 
The gummy astringent fruits are often eaten for their 
medicinal and feeding properties. 
Distribution .—Chiefly in forests of dry and intermediate 
zones. In the moist zone it is rare and sporadic, extending 
up to 4,000 feet ; it is abundant in the Northern Province, 
especially north-east ; among many other places the 
following may be mentioned : Colombo, Pasdun korale, 
Hiniduma, Hantane, Deltota, Matale, Kandy, Hewesse, 
Dambalagala, Pindeniya, Gangaruwa, Kadugannawa, 
