178 
TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [chap. 
48 inches on the side, with every appearance of having 
been cut from tall trees. Hence we infer that in their 
growth they must exceed the height of those gi own in 
Honduras. 
The wood is red in colour, moderately hard, less 
strong, and with the centre more soft, spongy, and shaky 
than either of the varieties before referred to. Exception 
may, however, be taken in favour of Tabasco ; the districts 
of Frontera, Chiltepec, Santa Ana, and Tonala, each 
yielding some very excellent timber* The grain of 
the Minatitlan is generally very plain, but that cut in 
the province of Tabasco has generally some rowiness 
or figure to recommend it for special purposes. It is 
easy to work, takes a good polish, splits very little, and 
stands well after it is seasoned. It is tough and elastic 
while quite fresh, but brittle when thoroughly dry, 
breaking off short if subjected to a heavy strain. 
The chief defect in Mexican Mahogany is the pre¬ 
valence of star-shake, and this, combined with the 
spongy character of the early layers, or centres, of many 
of the trees, frequently spreading, as they do, over about 
one-sixth of their diameter, detracts very much from 
their usefulness ; but, as this can all be seen by exa¬ 
mining the ends, the converter will naturally select and 
appropriate the logs to the work he may have in hand, 
and thus avoid any serious loss. 
The Mexican Mahogany is generally too large and 
heavy in growth to be converted profitably to ship 
scantlings, but is in other respects a very good substitute 
for Honduras for all kinds of joiners’ and cabinet work, 
* Mexican is sold in the London market at about the same price as 
Honduras Mahogany ; but the cuttings from Tabasco often realise fully 
20 per cent. more. 
