XVI 
FORESTS 
161 
steps have been taken by them to develop their con¬ 
cession, if concession there be. It is by no means 
improbable that no definite proposals have ever been 
put before them to accept or decline. They appear, 
however, to answer the same useful purpose as Mr. 
Jorkins in choking off others who are genuinely anxious 
to develop. Some two years ago there was a some¬ 
what foolish and quite impracticable scheme for floating 
logs, or, rather, apparently sawn timber, down into the 
Tana; and at this time a local syndicate was 
approached with the offer of a concession. Since 
then it is understood that further negotiations with 
other parties have taken place. Mr. Jorkins, however, 
still hovers, Sphinx-like, in the background. It is 
seriously hoped that in the near future a definite 
understanding may be arrived at with one or other of 
the interested parties, and that work of some sort may 
be initiated. 
The following are the characteristics of our principal 
timbers :— 
Podocarpus Thunbergii and P. gracilior, the 
former of which is much the more common, are hardly 
distinguishable from the yellow-wood of South Africa. 
It is first-class wood for house building, and also, when 
creosoted, for sleepers, while it is unsurpassed as a 
flooring board. It must, however, be treated to last 
out of doors, and is not a resistant to white ants. 
Cedar (Juniperus procera ) is probably the most 
valuable tree that grows naturally in the Protectorate. 
It is first-class for house building, floors, roofs, &c. 
It lasts both indoors and out, is disliked by all insects 
and more especially by white ants. It is easily worked 
and is splendid fuel. As, further, it is practically 
indistinguishable from the cedar that supplies our 
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