World of Wood JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOOD COLLECTORS SOCIETY

Volume 63, Number 2 March/April 2010

2010—the year of Wood Identification

March/April 2010 World of Wood 1 World of Wood Vol. 63, No. 2 ISSN 1068-7300 March/April 2010 The International Wood Collectors Society, founded in 1947, is a non-profit society advancing information on wood. Officers and Trustees Contents President: Garry Roux Vice President :Gary Gronborg The President’s Message...... 3 President-elect : Position Vacant. The Moon and Timber Quality ...... 4 Secretary-Treasurer: Bill & Myrtle Cockrell Publications Chairman: Chuck Holder ...sorting through the off-cuts ...... 6 Endowment FundChairman: Allen Nemetz Many thanks from Amazonian Peru . . . . 7 Archivist: Dennis Wilson Past President: Art Lee Botanic Gardens of the World...... 8 Regional Trustees Winterfest 2010, Lake Yale, Florida . . . . 9 NE USA (2009-2012) Ron DeWitt SE USA (2007-2010) Chris Nothnagle African Trees and Wood ...... 10 Great Lakes USA (2008-2011) Bob Chastain Central USA (2009-2012) Stan King Registration Form for the IWCS 2010 NW USA (2007-2010): Fred Holder Annual Meeting ...... 12 SW USA (2008-2011) Les Campbell Registration Form for the Biltmore Canada (2009-2012) Robert Ritchie UK (2009-2012) Terry Sawbridge Mansion Tour ...... 13 AustralAsia (2007-2010) Ian McLaughlin Exploring... The Cerre System for EuroAfrica (2010-2013) Willem Hurkmans Macrophotography of Wood ...... 14 Committee Chairpersons Growth Rings: The IWCS Record . . . . . 16 All-Mail Auction: Art Brennan Membership: Gary Gronborg A Favorite Wood ...... 18 New-member Correspondent: Bill Cockrell Snippets from Tasmania’s Timber Past . 21 Wood Import Permit: Alan Curtis Wood Specimen Kit: Dan Keierleber Shrubwoods of the World ...... 22 Web Master: Erlene Tarleton Member’s Listings and Requests ...... 24 Website Committee: Chuck Holder Corporate Membership Coordinator: Daryle Layton Collapse in wood ...... 25 Student Membership Coordinator: Les Campbell Only Management Problems for Craft Sales Coordinator: Allan Schwindt Hiroo Kitaoka ...... 25 Cracking the Code ...... 26 Personal information has been removed from this copy of the issue Trees as National Emblems – Revisited 27 Australian Woods No 19 ...... 28 Regis-tree ...... 30 Wood Meets...... 31 Book Review ...... 32

Editor: Morris Lake World of Wood, published bimonthly by the International Wood Collectors Society, is 22 Julia St, Highgate Hill, Q 4101 devoted to distributing information on collecting wood, correctly identifying and naming AUSTRALIA wood specimens, and using wood in creative crafts. Contributions for publication may be Phone: From overseas: 061 07 3844 1246 educational, scientific, technical or of general interest to members and relevant to the Within Australia: (07) 3844 1246 purposes of the Society. Papers may be refereed by an Editorial Board of technically trained E-mail: [email protected] members. The phrases ‘World of Wood’, ‘ IWCS Wood Data Sheet’ and all materials Associate Editors: contained herein are © Copyright protected by the International Wood Collectors Society. Ken Bassett — Washington, USA. Address requests to reprint material to the editor. Richard Crow — Cornwall, England. World of Wood is published as a benefit to members of the IWCS, a non-profit organization of Alan Curtis — Oregon, USA. botanists, dendrologists, and other scientists, technologists, wood collectors, hobbyists and Ron DeWitt — New York, USA. crafts people for mutual assistance and reciprocation. Eugene Dimitriadis — Victoria, Australia. Membership rates for individuals or couples worldwide are: US $35 annually, US $90 for 3 David Greve — Queensland, Australia. years, US $125 for 5years and US $500 for life membership. Student Membership is US$15 per Fred Holder — Washington, USA. year. Corporate Membership US$125 annually, US$325 for 3 years, US$450 for 5 years. Willem Hurkmans — Overijssel, Netherlands. Applications are available from the Secretary-Treasurer or from the IWCS website. Dues and Ernie Ives — Suffolk, England. address changes also should be directed to the Secretary-Treasurer. Barry and Danielle James—South Africa. We encourage your membership in our unique international organization. Nelis Mourik—South Holland, Netherlands. Susan Stamm — Wisconsin, USA. Cover photographs. Background; Jean-Claude Cerre’s Macrophotograph of tree of IWCS World wide web site: heaven (Ailanthus altissima) at X15 magnification. Centre: Same species at X 150 http://www.woodcollectors.org 2 World of Wood March/April 2010 The President’s Message from Garry Roux

Greetings everyone!

Even though the temperature was Dan and Tim for the service you wood lists. cooler than we had hoped for, it sure provided us. Details will beat what we left at home. What in I would also like to welcome our be in the next the world am I talking about? It’s the new trustee for the new EuroAfrican journal. Southeast Regional Meeting we just Region, Willem Hurkmans. Thanks There will returned from, held at Lake Yale, for stepping forward, Willem. also be a feasibility study if we can Florida. Manley and Elaine Hunt did afford going back to a monthly There was discussion on the use of a great job hosting the 169 members. World of Wood. email as a means of doing business The meeting was a huge success for for the organization—whether it In this issue, you will find the the organization. I believe everyone was allowed by the constitution. In registration form for the 2010 that attended had a good time and reviewing the Constitution and the annual meeting. It is only a little had the opportunity to obtain unique Roles and Responsibilities of IWCS, over four months away! Please wood. It was also a huge financial I have found that this issue has been send in your registration promptly. success. The drawing for the Fred addressed in Policy Number PO-03, It helps everyone hosting this Yaxley Jr. goblet was held and the dated December 9, 2002 and it is meeting make their plans for the winner was Dan & Romaleta James. I allowed. The board also approved attendees. also presented three presidential that we will set aside one page in Call a new member and talk with awards for extraordinary service to the World of Wood for members’ them—you never know, you might IWCS. Bob & Judy find a new friend. Make it a Chastain, Manley & Elaine new beginning for you and Hunt, and Terry & Pauline them. Sawbridge received these awards. Thank you guys for Hope to see you soon, all you do for this Garry. organization. This meeting might have had more first time attendees than any meeting I have been to. It made me feel good to see so many President Garry Roux new faces. Thanks to all of presenting Manley and Elaine you! Hunt of Florida a certificate of A board meeting was held appreciation for their great and the appointments of contributions to the IWCS. Allen Nemetz for Chairman of the Endowment Fund and Greg Reed as a committee member were approved. They are replacing Dan IWCS First EuroAfrican Region Trustee James (Chairman) and Tim Deahl (Committee member). Thank you Willem Hurkmans, # 8761-L, of the Netherlands has been elected as the first Trustee of the recently formed IWCS EuroAfrican A note for contributors Region. Willem is a Life member of IWCS and an Associate Editor of World of Wood writing a series of articles on Botanic Gardens of Please submit articles as you complete them. I can then place them the World. In 2009, along with other Dutch members of IWCS, he into future editions so each edition hosted the IWCS Annual meeting held in the Netherlands. Willem will present a balance of topics. If attended Utrecht University where he majored in plant systematics possible I will advise when they will appear. and evolution. He is also a member of Nehosoc, the Dutch Wood Last minute changes before: Collectors Society. IWCS thanks Willem for his willingness to act as 1 May for the May/June 2010 Trustee for the new Region, and for all his other work for and contributions to the Society. His term as trustee will go from March E-mail copy to: 1, 2010 through September 30, 2013. [email protected]

March/April 2010 World of Wood 3 The Moon and Timber Quality

by Jose-Miguel Elosegui and Morris Lake #7634

Throughout history the moon has Crops and animals were grown and played a significant role in many utilised according to nature’s cycles, aspects of life on earth. It has a or farmers adapted special activities direct influence on the earth’s water as they related to such things as masses with the moon controlling harvesting hay and crops, cattle the tides—which of course effects rearing and forestry. the rhythm of all life in and on the The disappearance of animal sea—from the spawning of coral traction, the proliferation of all- polyps to the largest creatures, the terrain vehicles, tractors, all sorts of whales, both in a direct or indirect machinery as well as the emergence way. of forestry roads which cut into It’s not surprising therefore, that nature’s pathways, have farmers have observed the moon’s transformed lifestyle in many influence on plants and farm ways—so much so that today, animals as well, and having made youngsters have no idea whatsoever these observations have adjusted of these traditional ways and their practices accordingly, using skills—more importantly, they do these natural cycles to their benefit. not realise their importantance. In modern times however, we are The moon has four quarters lasting witnessing big changes of lifestyle, approximately 29.5 days. In the first A very old and ‘pollarded’ oak cut by changes felt especially in rural two quarters—from new moon to shepherds to feed animals on the common. setting. Practices that have lasted full moon—the moon is ‘waxing’, or for centuries are being ignored or growing visibly. For the third and forest trees, the preparation of are disappearing altogether. In fourth quarter—from full moon to bedding for cattle—in a nutshell, northern Spain, these changes have new moon—the moon is ‘waning’, everything done at the right time, brought the virtual disappearance or shrinking in visible size. The will result in a better farm outcome. of the classic caserío —the typical importance of this is that at the Basque farmhouse— located in the point of ‘new moon’, the sun and Here are a few instances: southern foothills of the Pyrenees. the moon are both aligned towards • pigs are slaughtered during the These communities have in the past the same horizon and the moon has first quarter of the moon when it’s been self-sufficient in all the its greatest ‘pull’. From a maximum waxing necessities for living. ‘pull’ at new moon, this decreases as • bedding for cattle is prepared and the light on the moon is waxing, turned during the waning of the until full moon where it has the least moon pull—it is now aligned towards the • plants that crop above ground are opposite horizon to the sun. sown during the waxing of the Therefore from the time of ‘full moon, whereas underground moon’ the pull starts increasing plants, such as the potato, are during waning when the light on planted during the waning of the the moon is decreasing. moon. In Basque culture, the lunar phases have a bearing on the times to carry Tree practices out various farm tasks— all are It is regarded that trees, which have regulated by the moon; the always been important in northern harvesting of crops, the slaughter of Spain, are worked on during the pigs, the lopping and felling of right lunar phase, because the sap, conditioned by the moon, will determine the final properties of the Longwool sheep grazing on the wood, its quality, durability, and commons with a forest of beech (Fagus ease of working. sylvatica) and other species also For all round and serrated-leaved providing fodder and shelter. trees they must be worked or felled

4 World of Wood March/April 2010 • Hazel (Corylus avellana) Hazel’s canes are used for the manufacture of stockades, fencing, enclosures, sticks and goads. It is always cut during the crescent of the moon, and in November and December.

• Birch (Betula alba) Once birch was used a lot to make Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) adjacent to sheep shelters and used as a fodder dishes where milk would be boiled by tree. It is either cut and fed green or dried and stored in the loft above the animals. inserting hot stones. The leaves and wood are collected in when the moon is waxing; whereas, • Chestnut (Castanea sativa) September and during the waxing all others, e.g., oak trees, must be Chesnut—which is now close to crescent moon. worked when the moon is waning extinction—has a multitude of uses. —and there are specific seasons to It has been used as pickets for • Holly (Ilex aquifolium) work on trees as well. fencing, roofing underlay boards, Holly’s hard and heavy wood was Let’s examine the main trees of this basketry and wickerwork, used for making handles for quarry area, their use and times of felling, necklaces for cattle bells, charcoal hammers, and any small components and or, trimming. for forges, etc. Its fruit and leaves which required toughness, such as are a very important source of food bolts. • Beech (Fagus sylvatica) for cattle. It is cut during the waxing and in Beech is a dominant species and it It is always cut for timber during winter. grows at altitudes exceeding 600 the waning crescent moon, and m. It is used for firewood, charcoal, during winter. Where it is to be There are other deciduous trees, which cart axles, sleighs, yokes, and in used for feed it is cut in September. are not so commonly used, but each general construction. Beech nuts has to always be cut during the are used for feeding cattle. The • Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) appropriate phase of the moon. If we consider conifers, the only firewood is the most valued of all Common ash branches are used for naturally occurring one here, the yew for blacksmithing. fencing and enclosures, and beam (Taxus baccata), is very scarce and It must be felled during the first support poles. Its wood is used in scattered and is protected. quarter of the moon, and between the production of handles for hoes, October and March. axes, pickaxes, etc. Its firewood is a Other conifers introduced in the last 50 good burner and its leaves are used years include: • Oak (Quercus robur) as a feed for cattle. • Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) Once oak was very abundant at It is cut during the waning of the • Corsican pine (Pinus nigra altitudes below 600 m. In the past moon, and between October and corsicana) its wood was very highly esteemed March, and for leaf in September. • Lawson cypress (Chamaeciparis for the construction of ships; now lawsoniana) it is used in general construction, • Douglas spruce (Pseudotsuga for flooring, as well as for firewood, douglasii) charcoal, etc. It bears acorns and • Monterey pine (Pinus radiata). leaves, and are used for feeding Traditionally, conifers were usually cattle. felled during the waning moon, If used for timber, it is always cut although in modern times they are during the waning of the moon, now cut regardless of the moon’s and between October and March. phase —depending more on the weather conditions. The smaller branches for leaves are cut in July and August, when used for immediate consumption for Vessels made of birch (Betula alba) on display cattle, or in September if they are to in the Zagama wood Museum, and formerly become winter feed. used for storing milk. Birch does not flavour the milk even when a hot stone is dropped in to heat and pasteurise the milk.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 5 ...sorting through the off-cuts by Morris Lake #7634

I am excited to inform you that the he had been a member one time and far as I know. That is, description of the idea of developing better wood realized he was now missing too much cell patterns in various genera, and identification is gaining momentum “good stuff” so decided to join again. maybe families. Written descriptions and is taking off in a number of More importantly, Jean-Claude now can be backed up by pictures. Jean- directions—all of which are has 3,384 macrophotographs—sorry Claude Cerre’s macro pictures may be a necessary and very positive. I will that was yesterday’s count—by the way of producing the visuals. I have a try to cover the ‘state of play’ as time you read this, it will most fairly cheap binocular dissecting faithfully as possible, realising that assuredly be larger still. His microscope which has magnifications of the subject of identification is not collection is bigger than the CSIRO 20 and 40. I can take pictures of end- necessarily at the top of every Australia macro collection—and is grain through the eyepiece with an members agenda. possibly the largest in the world— ordinary digital camera .... I have been I am also encouraged to see that and CSIRO Australia has terminated impress by the regularity of cell recent issues of Australian Wood it’s research. Who else therefore is patterns in Quercus. Similarly the Review #9251, have contained driving this technology? Proteacea, Grevillea, Banksia and Hakea articles by Jugo Ilic, eminent wood genera have very similar structures. scientist, and formerly from CSIRO, How important is macrophotography And there may be many more. on Estimating Wood Movement, Figure to wood identification? This is open to investigation as a in Wood, and his excellent coverage I will leave an expert to answer this starting point, but it applies to the in the recent issue on Colour in question and quote Jim Flynn—from Angiosperms only, I think. One would Wood—including material from Dr a statement in 2007. “The use of the need to compile a list of characters, Regis Miller #6847. These are photomicrographics is the heart of including patterns, as criteria for a data supported by stunning photographs wood ID. (Jim’s emphasis, not mine) base. To be successful, even worth and examples. I commend this First cycle is the gathering of herbarium doing, it would need to have broad publication to all members with an material. When this fails then wood appeal in the membership, something in interest in identification, and it is anatomy is next and knowledge of the which members can be involved, though great to see that wood magazines structure of the wood’s end grain is of course, it is not for everyone. such as these with a wider audience essential. Then when the guys like Alan Kind regards, Ian Mac” are showing interest in the broader Curtis come along they have some I respect what Ian has said, since he aspects of wood as well as craft. (botanical) reference material to validate has spent more time than most their specimens.” • Macrophotography of wood trying to put the ‘jigsaw’ together. At the moment we rely on keys as I will be interesting to see a more This edition contains Part two of described by David Greve in his fully developed proposal from Ian Jean-Claude Cerre’s System for article in the November/December to determine how he will identify macrophotography of wood. And, 2009 issue—which are good but wood at the species level. let me be quite clear here: Jean- nowhere near complete. Claude’s work has international Show a ‘bushie’ a local piece of wood. He will have a cursory look, significance. Last month he met • Wood Identification Keys with Belgian researchers in then say. “Oh, that’s so and so”. Ask Following David Greve’s article Gembloux, who were excited about him why, and he will reply, “I don’t there has been continuing his work and have suggested it know, but it just is. I’ve seen it discussion—so with Ian should be in educational programs. hundreds of times—it grows on my McLaughlin’s approval, I share his Not bad for starters, eh! Members place”—that is hinting at optical thoughts on an alternative system of have also expressed interest in Jean- recognition. keys. Claude’s work, and he has offered It will be interesting to see if future to assist them in any way that he “I have read your article... with interest. development will make it possible can. In communicating with new I think the correct identification of wood to electronically compare and search members, Ron DeWitt relayed that: pieces is a core feature of the IWCS, data bases like those being In one instance the new member even though the constitution is not developed by Jean-Claude, enabling responded that he had seen a recent explicit on that point. Good on you for us to validate specimens—just as copy of World of Wood and was most raising the issue of a subject which is, in Jim Flynn has indicated. anxious to join this organization to my view, important. Pursuing the Let’s jump on our hobby horses and learn more about wood. In another format of the CSIRO’s system, however ride into the mountains. Hey up! response, the “new” member ... we need to have a system which has commented that a friend had shown him broader appeal. I am inclined to an a copy of our journal. He admitted that approach which hasn’t yet been used, as

6 World of Wood March/April 2010 Many thanks from Amazonian Peru

by Mercedes Galo #8948 Dear IWCS, First of all I would like to express my the herbarium to me and is helping gratitude to IWCS for offering funds with any needs. Sir Daza spends to do my research of identifying our most of his time in the field as he is local species of timber here in Peru. one of the most active field The project, funded by $2,800 from collectors in Peru. The other the Endowement Fund in 2006, took Peruvian author of this important much longer than I planned because book, Prof. Carlos Reynel, I know most trees of moist tropical forests do by way of correspondence. not flower regularly or seasonally— I have reviewed and photographed actually, there are no defined seasons the genera and hundreds of species here, so, the scarcity of flowers that were relevant to the Iquitos necessitated far more field trips per area. I have managed to identify or species identified than trips to just verify a few species for the first find an apparently different tree. time. There is much more to do of Furthermore, the company I worked course. Their wood specimen Mercedes photographing specimens. for went bankrupt so now I work collection is extremely small—a Collect the specimens independently selling lumber and little over 70 species, and not identifying new species for uses. clearly vouchered—so my work is I collect the flowers and fruits and important for Peru. Sir Aniceto Proper identification of timber species wood specimens myself because Daza has assured me of his help in is even more important now that woodcutters, etc., are not reliable. I the future and that the there are more and stricter use the help of experts once the documentation of wood is a regulations of the origin and the species are properly collected. welcome and important project. identification of the wood and there is I collected the wood samples from increased law enforcement of lumber I decided to identity the woods that the main trunk and also leaves, import by the US and other countries. have been regularly harvested or bark, shoots, and if available, Correct identification of wood is offered for sale. There are several flowers and fruits of the exact same useful for both the exporter and the fancy woods in the local trade such tree. The samples are pressed, importer as well as protecting nature. as tigre, sacha cumaceba, palo cruz, fleshy parts preserved in spirit, and canilla de vieja, violeta, limoncillo, some tender leaves were preserved I am collaborating with biologist Prof. shushupe, and palisangre. Their in silica. The collection site is Cesar Grandez of the Herbarium botanical identity needed to be marked with GPS and Amazonense (AMAZ) at the established. Local names are photographed. Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía helpful but are usually not found in Peruana (UNAP, Iquitos), and the any book or list—and the same Identify botanical vouchers are being donated name is often applied to a number to the herbarium and a wood The collected material is of different and unrelated species. specimen collection will be photographed and examined under Also flashy names like dalmatan, established also. the microscope. I consult major pink flame, arco iris and black Likewise, in 2008, I had the publications on local, Peruvian and agate have only recently been neotropical flora as well as opportunity to visit the herbaria at invented. the Universidad Nacional Agraria La numerous articles dealing with specific genera or species—and, Molina in Lima . The Forest First find the tree Herbarium (Herbario de la Facultad consult or visit the various I use villagers, woodcutters, de Ciencias Forestales, Herbario FCF herbaria. charcoal operations to lead me to UNALM) is by far the most important The IWCS funds have been used up trees, but the most responsible way because it is the depository of woody long time ago but I have continued is via a forestry permit, e.g., to species. I met with Sir Aniceto Daza the work. I also would like to enter the grounds of the Yomona, curator of the herbarium resume the publication of stories on Universidad Nacional de La and assistant to Professor Carlos my adventures in my search to Amazônia Peruana (UNAP) and Reynel, curator of the herbarium, who identify memorable species such as the Allpahuayo Mishana Nature is also coauthor of the book Illustrated the cross tree (palo cruz). Preserve where some of the above guide to the trees of Peru. He was very mentioned trees have been found. Happy New Year! amiable and opened the services of

March/April 2010 World of Wood 7 Botanic Gardens of the World

by Willem Hurkmans #8761 Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet Xonrupt-Longemer (France)

The Vosges and the German Black This garden was started Forest are twin mountain ranges in 1965 to gather more separated by the valley of the river knowledge of the herbs, Rhine, staring at each other across shrubs and trees which the valley, which is the Franco- were failing in general German border. Famous men like use. Nobel Prize laureate Albert It’s wonderful to note Highlighted rock gardens. Schweitzer, scientist Henri Poincaré that these gardens— and his cousin, president Raymond established in a region strongly in size, it’s extremely interesting Poincaré were born in this region, contested throughout the ages by and needs a day to see completely. the eastern half of which Germany and France—were Moreover, on a clear day, stunning incidentally produces the delicious established by youngsters from both Alsace wines. The central Vosges views of the countryside below are countries who joined hands in a a delight. Nearby is the Col de la massif consists of granite, with friendship campaign which helped to limestone on the east and sandstone Schlucht, a tourist ski venue that’s obliterate the vestiges of war. About extremely popular with Germans— on the north. This makes for the 6 acres (2.7 hectares) are highlighted most vivid scenery and reflects on the local language being a German rock gardens and you’ll also see a dialect. the diversity of plants growing nice pond with an adjacent peat there. marsh. Because of the climate, the gardens The University of Nancy in France are only open from 1 June to 30 What is so fascinating about this September each year, with visits laid out this garden, which is over garden is that it’s basically a rock 1,200 m above sea level, to show the between 10 am to around 5.30 pm garden in a natural rock environment in June and September and they general public the plants growing in where conditions are not artificial this fascinating region and also the close for lunch. Admission price is and are quite harsh—it can be very moderate. natural biotope where they occur. attacked by blizzards in August— The botanical garden is home to we were in August 2005—and night The Jardin can be reached only via over 2,500 plant species originating frosts which occur throughout the the scenic Route des Crêtes from mainly from the European mountain year. On a summers day the Colmar (50 km), from Gerardmer zones, like willow (Salix bicolor), but temperature can climb to 30C or (12 km) or Mulhouse (75 km). Since the American visitor will recognize more. there is no bus stop —the foolhardy Rocky Mountain plants as well, such will get anywhere, though— After a day of touring on the Route private transport is a must. as yellow birch (Betula des Crêtes—by the way, laid out by alleghaniensis), and there are many the Germans when they occupied the Asian species. Alsace region from 1870 till 1918— They are arranged in theme areas or, hill walking in the mountains, which are laid out region by region. this garden comes as a great surprise. Even if it’s only 27 acres (12.15 ha)

Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and willow (Salix bicolor) foliage on the left.

8 World of Wood March/April 2010 Winterfest 2010, Lake Yale, Florida

By Chris Nothnagle #3402

Driving past the orange groves and their effect on the passing the Bear Crossing signs I am environment. She nearing the Lake Yale Baptist brought in several Convention Center, the site of our interesting annual Florida IWCS meeting. examples and Turning into the drive, live oaks line passed them the way with hanging fronds of around for a good Spanish moss signaling we have educational completed the 13 hour trip with no program. problem through the plowed snow of On Thursday and I-95. Friday, classes This year I brought a new member, filled each day with Bruce Patterson of Fork Union, who John Davis had wanted to be part of the fun and teaching carving John Davis carving class with new member Bruce activities—for which the Florida techniques, Gary Patterson of Virginia carving a double spoon. meet is famous. The staff at Lake Gronborg and Jack Rogers, Yale are second to none for their performed turning demonstrations, Manley Hunt had made it all cooperation and hospitality as well Terry Bryan of the U.K. gave a possible, bringing in loads of wood as their accessibility to handle any seminar on British Native Trees, ready to be hauled out, by the truck difficulties on a moment’s notice. Chris Nothnagle gave a pencil load. Many exotic interesting I proceeded to the main auditorium holder construction workshop, Bill species were available to everyone and unloaded my truck full of exhibit Perkins taught scroll saw willing to bid. After many hours we items to be displayed and talked techniques, and Robert Parker were finished and exhausted, about. Immediately I met Elaine demonstrated large bowl hewing. thrilled to have participated in Hunt, Romalita James, and Pauline Regis Miller from Wisconsin gave a finding treasures we could not find Sawbridge who greeted me warmly two day workshop on wood elsewhere. for another years shindig. Many had identification, a real highlight of the After dinner Garry Roux gave traveled a very long distance and meeting. certificates of meritus service to greeted one another with a hug On Friday we woke to the sound of Manley and Elaine Hunt for their reinforcing old friendships. Bob Chastain’s portable Woodmizer many years of selfless service to the One by one the exhibits appeared in preparing wood for the auction. He organization. In addition the the main auditorium and after a worked tirelessly for 3 days at the Cockrells were recognized for their delicious Lake Yale supper, Levon sawmill so that the wealth of wood roll in keeping the treasurers Silvernell, Florida State Park could be shared by all to the benefit position for so many years manager, gave a very interesting talk of IWCS members. performing such an important and on invasive plants of Florida and On Saturday all the wood was ready responsible position for the society. at the auction Also Bob and Judy Chastain were tent with recognized for their outstanding volunteers contributions to the society. taking turns at We then had the Craft Auction with being the emcee many of our members giving their masterfully best work for the sake of the society. leading the I give full credit for the success of troops. Lake Yale to the abundance of willing helpers that made Manley and Elaine Hunt’s job go smoothly. Plus, of course to the 169members who attended. Next year the Lake Yale event is scheduled for 23-27 February. We hope to see you there! There’s got to be something interesting here for everybody.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 9 African Trees and Wood

Schotia brachypetala Weeping boer-bean by Barry and Danielle James #9380 Family: Leguminoseae

Weeping boer-bean, or huilboerboon, leaves are browsed (Schotia brachypetala) is one of the by game. The tree most beautiful indigenous trees is considered to found in Southern Africa. In spring, have low medicinal the weeping boer-bean is a value, although kaleidoscope of colours. Clusters of traditionally the bright, waxy flowers create dramatic rough, dark grey- splashes of crimson, which attract brown bark and the birds and insects. As described by roots are used to the specific epithet, it is the sepals strengthen the which are shaped in such a way that body, purify the they act as minature goblets for the blood, cure abundant life-giving nectar. The heartburn, combat delicate flitting and hovering of hangovers, treat many species of sunbirds create a nervous heart visual feast as their iridescent colours conditions and catch the light. Sunbirds play an diarrhoea, as well as important role in the process of for facial saunas. pollination, so if you’re needing to The seeds are edible tick off a few of these on your after roasting, and Heartwood ands sapwood of weeping boer-bean (Schotia birding list, find a weeping boer- although low in fat brachypetala). bean in flower and you will probably and protein they be generously rewarded for your have high carbohydrate content. companion, Richard van der Schot, efforts. Both the native people in Southern who visited South Africa in the 18th Although the weeping boer-bean is Africa and the early European century. The specific epithet, decidious, it is not long before the settlers and farmers used to roast brachypetala, is Greek for ‘having naked branches are clothed with the mature pods and eat the seeds, a short petals’ and refers to the new, russet-coloured leaves. These practice which they learned from flowers, which are unique among soon turn bright green and the Khoikhoi (Hottentots). The bark Schotia species, in that the petals are eventually a deep, glossy green, can also be used for dyeing, giving a partly or completely reduced to which vividly contrasts with the red-brown or red colour. linear filaments. The beauty of the dense clusters of crimson flowers. flowers is in the bright crimson-red The tree has been known to reach a Distribution coloured calyces (sepals), stamens height of 22m, although 10-12m is and pedicels (flower stalks). more common. It is wide spreading Schotia brachypetala grows in warm The other species in the genus with a rounded crown, and this dry areas in bushveld, deciduous Schotia, which are found in attractive shape, together with the woodland and scrub forest, most Southern Africa, are also referred to exceptional display of flowers, has often on the banks of rivers and as boer-beans and are known as: made it a popular choice when a streams or on old termite mounds, 1. Dwarf boer-bean (S. capitata), decorative garden tree is sought. at lower altitudes from around which occurs along the coast Grown from seed or truncheon, the Umtata in the Eastern Cape, from KwaZulu-Natal, through weeping boer-bean is fairly cold through KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland, Swaziland and into resistant but is not considered to be Mpumalanga, Northern Province Mozambique very fast-growing. and into Mozambique and Zimbabwe. 2. Karroo boer-bean (S. afra), which has two distinct varieties, Schotia Uses The genus afra var. afra, which occurs in the Not only is Schotia brachypetala an coastal districts of the southern exceptional ornamental tree, it also Schotia was named by Nicolaus and eastern Cape, and Schotia has a number of other uses: The Joseph von Jacquin, the Botanical afra var. angustifolia, which flowers are a source of food for artist, chemist and plant explorer, in occurs inland in Namaqualand monkeys and baboons, whilst the honour of his friend and travelling and Namibia

10 World of Wood March/April 2010 IWCS Appoints Associate Editor Team from South Africa

Effective March 1, 2010 IWCS members Barry and Danielle are both accomplished Barry and Danielle James #9380 CD, of South field naturalists, experienced in the African Africa, are appointed joint bush and forests, familiar with many of the Associate Editors for World trees and wood in Southern Africa and of Wood. They will assume willing to share this knowledge with IWCS responsibility for a new members. They are also involved in an series of articles in the environmental and ecological consultancy IWCS Journal, African trees as well as a company specialising in and wood, the first of which utilisation of indigenous timbers and other is included in this the indigenous products and both have written March/April, 2010 issue. extensively on these and related subjects.

3. Bush boer-bean (S. latifolia), grossus, which inhabits the tree and An interesting observation is that the which occurs from Riversdale sucks up the sap, excreting it as wood from smaller logs looks fairly in the Western Cape to near froth that collects and drips down uninteresting soon after being cut, but Umtata in the Eastern Cape the branches. The bug, however, soon oxidises to various shades of green and in the Mpumalanga also parasitises other trees, so the and red. The wood saws cleanly to true Province. former is the more likely. Another edges and planes well to a lustrous, possible factor may have been the smooth finish. It glues well, polishes Common names weeping and wailing that took well and takes a high gloss varnish place in the Boer laagers when the finish. Pre-boring is necessary before The common name, boer-bean, coffee ran out and there was not a nailing to avoid splitting and the derives from the edible seeds Schotia in sight! heartwood is not suited to nailing. The contained within the brown pods, wood contains tannin and the sawdust literally translated as “farmer causes eye irritation. bean”. Roasted seeds were The wood utilised by the Voortrekkers and The wood of Schotia brachypetala has Other properties of weeping boer-wood the seeds were also ground up a dense, fine and even texture, and used to make a coffee though the grain is wavy. It is Shrinkage substitute. The seeds resemble good for furniture and cabinet (green-oven dry) Radial 2.45 the original boer-boon, (Vicia work, turnery, carving, jewellery Tangential 5.54 faba), the domestic broadbean. boxes and domestic flooring. It is (green-air dry) Radial 1.35 The weeping referred to in the also said to have been excellent for Tangential 3.30 common name has been all kinds of wagon wood and was Density 800( 780- 820)kg/m3 attributed to two factors; the chiefly in demand for wagon Modulus of rupture 103 MPa copious amounts of nectar present beams. The sapwood is pinkish- Modulus of elasticity 7946 MPa in the flowers, which overflows or grey and not durable, unless weeps from the flowers, and the treated. If the logs are not Compression parallel to grain 50.3 MPa parasitic spittle bug, Ptyelus processed soon after being felled, Toughness 45.6 Nm they invariably become riddled with borer holes. Availability The heartwood is a dark walnut, almost Weeping boer-bean wood is not readily black, often with available commercially and is usually conspicuous obtained directly from landowners. In green streaks the game ranching areas of South and is hard, Africa, it is often pushed over by fairly heavy elephants, but you need to be one step and termite ahead of the wood borer if you want to resistant. get some decent wood out of it!

A boer-bean bowl showing the oxidised green and red colours.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 11 Registration Form for the IWCS 2010 Annual Meeting Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center, Ridgecrest, North Carolina 15-20 August 2010 Registrations must be received by June 5, 2010 for confirmed lodging and meals. *Registrations received after this date shall incur an additional $10 per person charge. Early registration is highly recommended. Five (5) special package plans are offered. {No alcohol allowed on premises, no smoking in any building, no pets.} A daily facility fee of $12 per person is required by Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center to a maximum charge of $25. Please print clearly below: Name: ………………………………………………………………………… IWCS #: …………………………………… Spouse/guest: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…. City: …………………………….. State: ………………. Zip Code: ………………….. Country: ……………………….... Email address: …………………………………………………….. Home Phone #: ………………….…………

Special packages include registration, rooms, meals and insurance (facility) fees. Make checks payable to Patricia Dickherber. Send to Patricia Dickherber, 12 August Alp Ct., St. Charles, MO 63303. Email [email protected] or call 636-724-3562 with questions. Special 5 night lodging, Sunday Supper through Friday Breakfast Motel $408.00 per person – double occupancy # of persons …………. X$408.00= $...... Motel $620.50 per person – single occupancy # of persons …………. X$620.50= $...... Special 4 night lodging, Monday Lunch through Friday Breakfast Motel $335.50 per person – double occupancy # of persons …………. X 335.50= $...... Motel $505.50 per person – single occupancy # of persons …………. X 505.50= $...... Special 3 night lodging, Tuesday Lunch through Friday Breakfast Motel $263.00 per person – double occupancy # of persons …………. X $263.00= $...... Motel $390.50 per person – single occupancy # of persons …………. X $390.50= $...... Special 2 night lodging, Wednesday Lunch through Friday Breakfast Motel $190.50 per person – double occupancy # of persons …………. X 190.50= $...... Motel $275.50 per person – single occupancy # of persons …………. X 275.50= $...... Special 1 night lodging, Thursday Lunch through Friday Breakfast Motel $127.00 per person – double occupancy # of persons …………. X127.00= $...... Motel $ 127.00 per person – single occupancy # of persons …………. X127.00= $......

Refund policy: $5.00 service fee per person prior to June 5th. After June 5th fee will be prorated by LRBC. Complete below if you want the special package. (Commuters, RV’s and guests.) Commuters, RVs, guests – Registration fees # persons………. . .X S30.00= $...... Commuters, RVs, guests – Site fee (insurance) # days ………X # of persons ………X $12.00 = $...... (max $25) RV sites are limited, please indicate # days ………………….… X $25.00 = $ ….…… Total Due $......

RVs circle type: Motor Home ……….. Travel Trailer ……….. Length ………………………

Commuters, RV’s and guests interested in meals must specify below. Meals may not be available if not preregistered. Sunday Supper ……. Total Breakfasts ………. X $ 8.25 = $...... Monday Breakfast ……… Lunch ……… Supper ……. Total Lunches …...... ….. X $10.25 = $...... Tuesday Breakfast ……… Lunch ……… Supper ……. Total Dinners ………….. X $12.25 = $...... WednesdayBreakfast ……… Lunch ……… Supper ……. Total Due Meals………………… $ ………… Thursday Breakfast ……… Lunch ……… Supper ……. Friday Breakfast ……… *Above meal prices are calculated at a per person rate.

12 World of Wood March/April 2010 Registration Form for Biltmore Mansion Tour IWCS 2010 Annual Meeting Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center, Ridgecrest, North Carolina 15-20 August 2010 Biltmore Mansion Tour provided by Accent on Asheville. Tour will be Tuesday, August 17, 2010 leaving the Ridgecrest Conference Center at 8:15AM. This will be an all day tour. Approximate time of return to Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center will be 4:00PM. Tour includes: Motorcoach transportation with professional guide, admission to the Biltmore House, Gardens & Winery, all-inclusive lunch, bottled water and all taxes. We will also make a trip to the Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway. Cost of tour: $99.00 per person.

Please print clearly below: Name: ………………………………………………………………… IWCS #: …………………………… Spouse/guest:……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. City: ………………………… State: ………………. Zip Code: ………………….. Country: ………………….. Email address: ………………………………………….. Home Phone #: ………………………………… Registrations must be received by June 5, 2010. Total number of guests …………………….. x $99 = ………………………… Make checks payable to Patricia Dickherber. Send to Patricia Dickherber, 12 August Alp Ct., St. Charles, MO 63303. Email [email protected] or call 636-724-3562 with questions.

Scenes from the Southeast Regional Winter Woodfest 2010, Florida

From this With lots of this!

As Chris Nothnagle said “I give full credit for the To this success of Lake Yale to the abundance of willing helpers that made Manley and Elaine Hunt’s job go smoothly”.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 13 Exploring... The Cerre System for Macrophotography of Wood by Jean-Claude Cerre #9335 Part Two About the Author Jean- Taking the photographs Claude retired 10 To take the photographs, the specimen years ago unit is disassembled. after 33 years as an orthodontist. • Photographic hardware “I’ve The equipment used is as follows always • Nikon D 300 camera. been • Nachet Citrine binocular attracted to wood, I microscope. A damping device which puts pressure on the top of the learned woodturning with • A PC or Mac computer. my grandfather, and specimen holder, limits vibrations when shooting with a started collecting wood 20 • Nikon software. reflex camera. A video camera does not vibrate, but a years ago. This allowed • Camera control pro2 software. reflex camera gave better pictures. me to meet others • Nikon Capture NX 2 software. passionate about wood. I • Specimen mounting have many other • Photographic procedure passions—computers and The specimen mounting height needs to create macrophotography of The biggest problem I had to solve was as small a reference plane as possible with a insects, I was asked to help to eliminate vibration. As specimens a friend who wanted minimum of adjustment to get sharp focus on are 15 cm long, initially we added a 20 the selected area of the specimen. macrophotographs of cuts cm aluminium spacer to the column as of wood. It has become my The specimen is mounted on a wafer and fixed latest passion. I am all binocular microscope and camera combinations are 95 centimetres tall. to the specimen holder, against two amazed by the beautiful benchmarks, using plastic clamps. Behind the images that I can do with However this is unstable and sensitive the different wood.” to vibrations, especially when shooting. holding plate is a assemblage of various pieces recovered from printers, which can be seen in To overcome vibration I have fixed the the photograph opposite. We have installed entire microscope on a 50 kg granite an electric system that can orientate the slab. The binocular and camera sample in all directions: longitudinal, column are then stabilised by fixing to transverse, rotating, rocking. an iron tube using three clamps to reduce the vibrations. Using this variety of This has proved very effective, and I attachments have almost no vibrations. mounted on the specimen holder, the specimen can be moved to any selected area to take the photograph.

The specimen held in place by a plastic clamp and aligned with 2 small A granite base with tabs that represent the reference Photographic hardware with stabaliser column to frame for focusing the binocular binocular microscope, prevent vibration. microscope. camera and specimen holder. 14 World of Wood March/April 2010 • Camera Control Pro 2 The camera is connected to the computer via USB, and is powered by the block EH5A Nikon. When I turn the camera on, it is automatically detected and the Camera Control Pro2 software starts. As the device is installed on a binocular microscope without optics a number of settings are not available. However the settings that are available are : • Exposure mode • Shutter speed • Exposure compensation • Sensitivity The mechanism at the back of the • White balance specimen holder includes a rotating tool • Colour temperature The camera mounted on the binocular controlled by a stepper motor. The control • Data format microscope using the tube provided by box is on the bottom right. • Image processing the manufacturer. • Specimen lighting Of these functions, the sequence of Taking the photograph settings I mainly use are: Sensitivity The lighting is done through a I, with a 200 iso. Then I use: When the system is ready, a specimen series of Photonic Optic LEDs Exposure mode, Shutter speed and is placed on the specimen holder, mounted around the lens, and so Exposure compensation. aligned with the reference points, and illuminate the specimen. fixed with the plastic clamp. But, the most interesting feature is the Live View function. When the After focussing, it may be necessary to active mirror of the camera is lifted adjust the speed or exposure up, I can see the photograph that compensation, using the different will be taken on the screen. This settings available with Camera Control feature has allowed me to make Pro 2 progress in the quality of my shots. I personally use RAW Mode for my It allows me to assess the quality of photos. I can then work in the photo LED ring light which is placed the image—and there is a zoom Avec Capture NX 2 and I can go back around the lens. function that allows me to move even after recording. Using Capture into different areas of the image to NX 2 is quite complex, but on the I originally used slave flashes check that the focus is correct. Nikon website there are excellent mounted around the camera lens, When the photograph is taken at tutorials. but have found that using the low magnification, the focus is camera setting takes better images. relatively easy. However when Summing up I am currently developing a fibre working at maximum zoom, the It does take patience and experience, optic lighting system powered by depth of field is extremely small— LED. These fibre optic lights can but with patience—and, if one is the order of 0.01 of a millimetre motivated—I have shown it is be seen in the photograph to the and focus is more difficult. left. possible. As the camera is mounted on an I am also sure the same result are optical channel of the microscope, it • Camera mounting possible with different hardware— must be perpendicular to the and perhaps it can be done cheaper. The Nikon D300 is mounted on the optical axis, otherwise it will be I am available to all members for 3rd tube of the binocular impossible to focus on the whole assistance. Contact me by mail: jean- microscope using a special subject. Overall the manufacturer [email protected] connector provides pictures with a gives an accuracy of 4.2 °, so the I hope I have satisfied the curiosity. magnification of 1.5 x as compared specimen may be slightly tilted. to normal magnification of the dissecting microscope.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 15 Growth Rings: The IWCS Record by Ken Bassett #543

Teak (Tectona grandis) through the Centuries by A. Charles. Introduction Teak is certainly one of Teak has been used for longer than with a sheet of bronze, which was adopted the worlds great woods mahogany, but for fewer uses, and therefore from Assyrian architecture. Cedar would of commerce. Who is less known. While mahogany is pleasant not have resisted the ravages of time so among us is not because of its color and varied design, teak is well. This palace dates from 720 BC and a familiar with its rich beautiful, and exceptional because of its bass relief shows a naval expedition color which today is qualities. It is the perfect wood, the noble bringing back logs. Also, perfectly sound often expressed in wood, and justifies the name ‘Royal Tree’, pieces of teak were found in the ruins of the modern furniture. I given it in antiquity. Kings of Persia Palace in Bagdad, have owned my share. It is this feeling of perfection, of nobleness, plundered in the 7th century. Teak also has a long that I felt more than fifty years ago. I was and interesting history very young, when I first saw a teak log cut Teak in structural work as told by Albert out in my father’s workshop. It is that Evidence of teak can be found everywhere Charles a French timber feeling, still living in my mind as if it were in Asia. In Salsette grottoes, north of merchant and importer quite recent, which probably caused my love Bombay, pieces of teak more than 2,000 in a talk delivered in for wood, and guided my fate from that years old have been found. In Karii, one of the early 1960’s. time. the most beautiful Buddhist chapels in Member George Teak (Tectona grandis) is an Asiatic wood, India in the province of Bombay goes back Dayton arranged for a with its origin in eastern India, in Burma, to 78 BC and the capital crowning the translation from the Siam, and Laos—between the 16th and the edifice is made of teak. More may be found French which was 25th parallels—where it is indigenous. It is still in Burma; at the Salin Monastery, in a published in the also found in Malaya, Indonesia palace at Mandalay, the Sogwe Dagon, and September, 1966 IWCS (particularly Java), and in the Indian the Council Chambers at Rangoon. Finally, Bulletin. The article has peninsula near the Malabar Coast, and the the ruins of palaces or monasteries of the been somewhat Philippines. In these last areas it has Sukothai Period (1267-1379) and Ayudthya condensed by our established over centuries, and it is thought Period (1380-1797) show that teak was used editor to conform to the that the areas planted stretched more for doors and window. A teak beam in a needs of World of towards the west between India and the fortress at Shandwa dates back more than Wood. Persian Gulf. We might believe this, if it ten centuries. At Mysore, examples of teak Ken Bassett #543 were true that Noah’s Ark was built in five centuries old are frequent. Kuwait, at the bottom of the Persian Gulf, It is curious as to why India began working where shipbuilding yards hove been famous Biographical note: stone relatively late —about 300 BC. from the oldest of times. Albert Charles entered Previous to that, only wood was used— the trade of exotic even for fortifications, and some vestiges of woods in 1919, and in Biblical reference to teak them still remain at Pataliputra. The same 1923 became manager In the Holy Bible, the instructions given by technique of woodwork was used for the of the Maison, Charles the Lord to Noah were precise: “Make an Ark work in stone and carvings bore the till his death in 1965. from flattened pieces of timber; you will make technical mark of a cabinet maker rather Albert Charles made small rooms and you will coat it with tar inside than a stone mason. his firm world and outside. etc...” So, Noah’s Ark was then renowned establishing made of wood, but what species? Teak exterior and interior offices in Havre, Some discussions on this point favour Cedar Teak was also used in private buildings, Bordeaux, Karseilles, because of the vicinity of Lebanon, and the both for exterior ornamentation as for Strasbourg, Paris, and facilities offered by the Euphrates to float interior decorative panels. Window Abidjan (Ivory Coast). timber from the Persian Gulf, while others screens, door leaves, the columns including He undertook an supported teak. Some years ago this might their finely cut capitals, were always-made intense promotion of have been resolved when possible vestiges of teak. The frescoes of Ajanta , dating to tropical woods and of of Noah’s Ark were found on Mount Ararat the first century BC, and generally wood in general. He at the limits of Persia and Turkey. Will represent boats, are carved in teak. The published many Mount Ararat unveil its mystery some day? panels adorning famous processional technical papers, took My opinion is Noah used teak, because chariots— often inspired by mythology— part in all national and traces were found in the whole region, were teak, and can be seen at the Guimet international particularly in Babylon and Bagdad. In Museum—as well as bass-reliefs exhibitions and gave Babylon, cedar from Lebanon, nearer than representing subjects from Hindu legends many lectures. His titles India, was well known—but carved wooden showing Vishnou in his various and honours are columns found in Khorsabad Palace, were incarnations of: Brahma, the four-headed amazingly extensive. made of teak. These were generally coated man, followed by his riding animal the

16 World of Wood March/April 2010 Sacred Goose; Kali, God Civo’s wife; yards in Rangoon. From 1786 to 1825 the Chinese tea trade. These clippers Ayenor, an indigenous God from the about 100 European ships were built had a huge surface of sails and had to south of India; and Agni, God of Fire. there. be very speedy to arrive first to the port However, these bass-reliefs of the It is difficult to determine when teak with the teas of the new season. Teak Guimet Museum date only from the was first imported into Europe for decks prevented moisture seeping into 16th century. shipbuilding. It must be in the 19th the precious cargo. Teak is also used in Siam and century, as Las Cases notes in the One of the most famous clippers was Cambodia in the best known Memorial of St. Helen, dated March 1, the 1000 ton Cuttysark built in the monuments, and also the most 1816: “Today arrived to St. Helen—boats Clyde yard in 1869. Her decks were teak noticeable of all the Far-East from Capetown, one of them, the and she ran at 17 knots. After 70 years Temples— Angkor—where the stone “Wellesley, fitted with 74 guns, carried in of service she was used before WWI as a ceiling was originally, in about the her hold another vessel taken to pieces. training ship. 11th century supported by teak They both had been built in India of teak In this struggle for dominance of the beams, some vestiges of which can wood for 3/4 cheaper than in England. This tea trade, the Americans, who had built still be seen. wood is excellent, and the vessel of a nature the Rainbow in 1845, one of the first The fame of teak had already reached to last much longer than those of Europe. It clippers, were envious of the English China at that time since the Heaven is likely a revolution is coming in the sailing vessels which were built in teak. materials and building of the English Temple in Peking also showed traces From 1830 to 1840, 24,000 loads of teak Navy”. of the use of this species. were used at Rangoon to build 68 The author did not know that this vessels totalling over 15,000 tons. Teak for Naval boat building revolution had already happened as During this same period 50,000 loads of we found confirmation in an English From prehistory until our time, teak teak were exported from Moulmein, to book about the methods used in the was used extensively by artists, the Europeans, particularly the English English Navy for keeping wood in everywhere, when beauty had to be shipbuilders. Exports continued to ships in good condition . This 1825 allied with durability. These increase and by the end of the century book, translated an order from His qualities also made teak desirable for exceeded 250,000 tons alone from the Excellency, the Minister of Navy in shipbuilding. Burmese forests. The greatest part of Paris, cites teak “Among all the woods these exports went to England. The book History of India, published coming from Asia, teak, because of its in 1783, tells of 1,200 to 1,300 ton durability, and superior strength, deserves Indian boats made of teak that lasted a place in the first rank. It was falsely Plantation teak for centuries, and gives examples of supposed that it was not suitable to Teak was also harvested from boats made of teak. The book shipbuilding because of its weight. In order Indonesian forests which dated from describes one, in the 18th century, to demonstrate this mistake, it is enough to the second century. Since it was belonging to the East India Company say that its specific weight is less than that considered a sacred tree, and Hindu which made voyages between of English oak, though its strength is monks brought teak seeds into Java England and India. Another, the infinitely greater. In some cases, it was surrounding their sanctuaries and teak Rovensworth, was sold to a French found that this species was a preservative forests soon spread widely. These company and her description is for iron. At various times, a great number forests were regarded as ‘inexhaustible’ instructive: “An extremely speedy boat, of vessels made of teak were bought for His by the East-India Company who weighing about 520 tons, lately rebuilt Majesty’s Service; they lasted so long it is carelessly felled them without thought with teak in the West of India at Bombay. almost impossible to determine their for the future. In the middle of the 18th She has three decks and is coated with duration”. century the forests were placed under copper. She is a boat suitable either to the control of the state and planting war or trade, and her hold and Teak for other than Naval use began. At first around 600 ha a year storerooms are in excellent condition and were planted, until around the time of The first liner built of teak in the docks can be fitted for a long voyage at a small WWI, that became 4,000 ha a year.. Teak of the India Company in 1810 was the expense”. was rarely mixed with other species. Menden and in 1825 she was still in Shipbuilding was run by Europeans very satisfactory condition. Since then, The Dutch built ship yards on the and prospered during the War of several vessels, frigates, and sloops coastline at Rembang, and there were Independence in America. It is were built at the some place. To give yards for coasters on the mouth of the interesting to note that the Nonesuch employment in England every vessel Java River. Red Sea coasters, known as was launched on the Hugti, a small contained the teak frame of another Sambouks, were built at Hodeidah, in bay on the mouth of the Ganges by ship with as much decking as she can the north of Aden, of teak from Java. Colonel Watson. She weighed 500 carry. Though cut in shorter pieces than India tons, was fitted with 33 guns, and teak, Java teak was sought after as it built of teak planks and other Asiatic Teak therefore became better known, was perfectly handled and presented as woods. and its qualities more and more appreciated, and in the 19th century square beams called flitches. Exports It was already the same in Burma 3 naval builders began to use it. It was reached 37,000 m before 1930 and was where shipbuilding was also run 3 also used for the decks of the big down to 15 to 20,000 m in 1936 and Europeans. In 1785 the French had passenger vessels and clippers used in extremely prosperous shipbuilding Cont’ on page 20.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 17 River birch (Betula nigra) L. By Ron DeWitt (6037-S) (Synonym B. lanulosa)

A deciduous hardwood Outliers are found in northern Betulaceae - birch family Vermont and central New York. Significant exclusions from this Derivation of the genus name Betula native range are the southern half of is from the classical Latin name for the Mississippi River flood plain and birch. The epithet or species name the Appalachian Mountains. The nigra is from the Latin for black, in native range of river birch extends reference to the very dark color of into the southern coastal plain and the bark of mature trees. further south than any other North The birches number about 50 species American birch. Leaves and female flowers. of trees and shrubs scattered over the River birch favors the fine, wet, Northern Hemisphere; in North enriched soils of stream banks, River birch usually grows as America from the Arctic regions to swamps, flood plains, ponds, and scattered individuals among a wide the southeastern United States and lake sides. Although described as variety of hardwood associates from the Arctic circle, across the only “semi-aquatic” of the including but not limited to southern Europe, the Himalaya birches, it is occasionally satisfied to sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), red range, China and Japan. About 12 become established in dry or clay maple (Acer rubrum), black willow species are endemic to the temperate soils. It is most abundant in the hot (Salix nigra), hazel alder (Alnus regions of North America. Seven or humid southeast where the frost-free serrulata), honey locust (Gleditsia eight found in the U.S. are season averages 210 to 270 days and triacanthos), yellow-poplar arborescent or tree-like as are a half- annual rainfall is 50 in. (1270 mm). (Liriodendron tulipifera), black tupelo dozen varieties and many hybrids. In the northern extreme of its range, (Nyssa sylvatica), and American elm The river birch Betula nigra, also the frost-free season is 150 or fewer (Ulmus americana). Other called red birch, black birch or water days with average precipitation of associated species include sugar birch, is native to the eastern U.S. in less than 30 in. (760 mm). Despite its maple (A. saccharum), several an irregular pattern extending from compatibility with water it is hickories (Carya spp.), water-elm eastern Pennsylvania south into described as only moderately (Planera aquatica), baldcypress northern Florida, west to east Texas, resistant to flooding, perhaps (Taxodium distichum), and American and north into southeast Minnesota. accounting for its absence from much basswood (Tilia americana). of the Mississippi River flood plain. This tree is classified as intolerant River birch has been characterized as of shade. It grows rapidly in its one of America’s most beautiful early years and does not develop a trees. It is a medium-size tree taproot. It may grow on a single typically reaching marketable size of stem for 15 to 20 ft. (4.5 to 6 m) 60 to 80 ft. (18 to 24 m) and diameters before branching into several major of 24 to 36 in. (60 to 90 cm) dbh. In branches or, more often, begin with the best habitat, individual trees may multiple, slightly outward-leaning, reach 100 ft. (30.5 m) and 60 in. (152 forked stems—a more attractive cm) dbh. The U.S. National Register of tree but of less marketable value. Big Trees has reported a record river Mature trees with single straight birch in Lawrence County, stems tend to occur in crowded Tennessee, at 105 ft. (32 m) by 5.4 ft. mixed stands. Crowns are irregular (1.6 m) dbh. Typical of the birches, and spreading, made up of this tree matures in about 80 years drooping branches. and has a life expectancy of 150 Twigs are slender, zig-zag, hairy, years, relatively brief for a tree. reddish brown with lenticles and triangular leaf scars. The alternate Coarse, flaky bark of young tree. leaves are 3/4 to 2 in. (2 to 5 cm)

18 World of Wood March/April 2010 plant. Pollen-producing male catkins form on twig tips in autumn, maturing in April or May of the next year. Female seed-producing catkins are smaller and upright, releasing tiny two- winged fruits (nutlets) in spring or early summer, the earliest of the birches to do so. Good seed crops occur almost every year. Wood of the river birch is Furrowed bark of mature tree. uniformly diffuse-porous with no apparent transition long by 3/4 to 1 in. (2 to 2.5 cm) from earlywood to latewood. Pores wide, roughly egg-shaped, often are small to medium in size, not doubly, coarsely saw-toothed. visible to the naked eye, usually Leaves are dark green above, pale solitary or in radial multiples of two green with small gland spots to several. Rays are very fine, one to below, usually with seven to nine five seriate, seen only with a hand veins on a side. Branches are lens. Pores are wider than the widest pendulous. Leaves and twigs of rays. Annual rings are indistinct. this birch do not contain the Average specific gravity is about wintergreen scent of many of the 0.55, weight is about 35 pcf (560 kg/ birches, nor does the spring sap m3) when M.C. is 12%. Wood of the contain enough sugar to make root North American birches cannot be 8in.(20 cm) flat sawn board with pith beer. separated reliably on the basis of fleck streaks. This birch may be recognized by its either gross structure or minute pinkish to tan or reddish brown anatomy. furniture. In the southern U.S., exfoliating bark, which separates The wood is moderately hard and planters once used it for hoops on into large, thin, impervious papery moderately heavy, straight grained rice casks. Some is used for paper scales. On older stems, it becomes and finely textured, often with some pulp, only when mixed with other dark brown to black, thickening to nice character from color streaking or hardwoods. Occasionally good saw a one inch (2.5 cm) layer of stiff, abundant bark fleck. It is weak in logs will be used for veneer and coarse, fissured and shaggy bark. bending and tends to check when plywood core board. Its hot River birch is monoecious, male drying. This wood works well with weather tolerance makes it most and female flowers are on the same hand or power tools. It produces important as a popular ornamental; smooth, flat surfaces with crisp many cultivars are available for edges, takes and holds fasteners well, landscaping. Occasionally it is turns satisfactorily, and glues easily. planted as a street tree. Typical of Results are good with most finishes. the birches, river birch is a pioneer It is not durable when exposed to soil and opportunist, quick to establish or the weather. This wood has no on newly-cleared land. Its high distinguishing taste or odor. tolerance of acid soils makes it Working with wood of the birches is desirable for erosion control in strip known to occasionally cause mining recovery projects. dermatitis. Protection from the River birch trees are quite resilient, sawdust is well advised. enjoying a life relatively free of most This tree is seldom cut for lumber of the usual diseases of trees. Only because of its poor form, frequent occasionally is it bothered by reaction wood and plentiful knots. It mistletoe infestation or a fungus is used locally for craft items, caused leaf blight. It is considered wooden-ware and inexpensive un-threatened and supplies are good. Male and female flowers.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 19 Cont’ from page 17. lower now (1966). The Indonesian that of oak, but is stronger than oak admired the fine decoration of this Republic did not keep the high and more durable. It can be worked boat, the devastation was a standards. without special tools. It is principally tremendous sight. Everywhere, in the The Indo-China teak from Siam and wonderful because it weathers well drawing-rooms, in the bar, in the Laos, in north Vientiane. Here, in spite and its immunity to white ants and kitchens, every material had been of the distance between the forests and teredoes (a bivalve sea mollusc, the destroyed. Metallic parts had melted, the coast, transportation is made easy lavae of which eat waterlogged wood). iron and steel plates were distorted, by the rivers: The Me-Nam toward These exceptional qualities made it and there only remained in the Bangkok, and the Me-Kong toward attractive through the ages. During all pantry —some shelves of teak. On Saigon. Exports of teak from these the 19th century teak became quite the deck—some handrails, benches, countries to Europe, and particularly to important in the construction of gratings also of teak. Even parts of France, were mostly supervised by a railway, carriages. Its insulating effect the teak decks still stuck to distorted powerful society, I’EST ASATIQUE reduced noise, vibration and variations metal plates. This evidence enabled FRANCAIS. We can pay this society of temperature. Its stability ensured me at that time to prove to the the homage it deserves. In less than the close fitting of doors and windows. Merchant Navy Ministry how wrong one century these people made Indo- It’s warm color created an atmosphere it would have been to suppress the China the first French Colony. unlike the metallic panels of modern use of teak in shipbuilding—as it was suggested at that time, since wood Although teak has various origins carriages. was suspected to be at the origin of there is only one method of harvesting As in shipbuilding, the English were this disaster. used in all countries. Three years the first to use teak for railway before felling the trees ringed or construction, but France, Belgium, The Navy had used teak until the girdled around the base, cutting Italy, Germany, followed this war as a “mattress” under the iron through the bark and the white example. It was due to technical sheathing of the men-of-war since it sapwood to the brown heartwood. progress that these carriages were did not corrode metal. A Naval The tree dies quickly, and takes two withdrawn from use—their durability instruction mentioned that the iron years to dry before being ready to float. kept them in service for half a century. sheets could not be shaped accurately It is generally felled only after this When taken to pieces, the teak was enough to adapt themselves to the time. Girdling, enables the tree to lose salvaged for new uses. plating. To achieve this contact, a mattress of teak, 8-10 cm thick was its sap and avoids shrinkage after In South Africa all railway sleepers interposed between the decking and harvesting, which is an assets of teak. were of Java teak. Since then, azobe the iron sheathing. It can be assumed This method of felling is still used from Cameroun, supplemented it but that since the first ironclad ship put everywhere, however archaic it seems. did not replace teak. on the stocks in 1873, the Redoutable, The handling of logs was no less Teak is perfectly suited for exterior and on numerous types which archaic as elephants played a large woodwork because of its stability and followed it, such as the Formidable, part. A working elephant has the weather resistance. It is also used for Magenta , and the somewhat later the power, cleverness and ability to push interior joinery in all the producing Charles-Martel and Carnot, the and drag the logs to the railroad or countries. Many applications of this method of plating remained the river. Some ‘tusker’ elephants are are found in the large Far-East hotels, same. specially trained to break up log jams as well as in America, and especially in The qualities of teak are known formed in the river while floating England. It is recommended for nowhere better than here in Havre, downstream. interior decorative panelling and where it is so much appreciated for flooring, because of its beauty, color, sailing or steamships, and especially and fine patina with time giving a Properties and uses for pleasure-yachts. The Chantiers gorgeous look to the whole work. The following are some of the Augustin-Normand, as much attached Teak was used on big liners—for properties which justify the search to tradition as they are jealous of the instance, on the Normandy, the biggest made for it in the past and tell some of quality of their shipbuilding, used and speediest ship before the war, the innumerable applications that it teak as soon as they knew all its 1,500 tons of teak was used for the still has in our time. qualities. Due to the choice of teak decks, decking, holds, ladders, on many yachts, these boats had the Teak is yellow, sometimes with a slight gangways, etc. In a liner of 24,000 privilege of being known and greenish hue, and on exposure to light tons, for example. 800 out of 3,000 m3 darkens to reddish brown. It’s admired by several generations. Teak of timber used would be teak. : sapwood is very thin and has an oily perfectly answered the demands of The Atlantique—whose tragic fate is touch due to the aromatic oil it construction either on land or on sea remembered by everyone , also contains. This oil gives it the property which required beauty and durability included various applications of teak. I of not attacking metal and not in the materials used. Architects, will take the liberty of telling of a corroding nails. When pulling down however modern their conceptions personal remembrance. When the fire ships it was often found that the can be, are always touched by the ravaged this liner, she was tugged to screws used for the decking were free nobleness of teak and the Cherbourg, where I immediately from rust and as good as new. It has a gorgeousness of its color. visited the ship, still on fire. For density is about 750 kg/m3, less than someone who some weeks before had

20 World of Wood March/April 2010 Snippets from Tasmania’s Timber Past by Trevor Semmens #9454

I recently joined IWCS and in the Wages for various trades in the Oil Yield from Tasmanian past I have collected articles which 1830s Eucalyptus species highlight snippets on historical From early times, eucalyptus oil has aspects of the timber industry in Occupation A$/week carpenters, turners 1.80 been distilled from eucalyptus leaves Tasmania, Australia. I thought this and used for its medicinal purposes. may be of interest to members— wheelwrights 1.80 shipwrights 1.80 Work done by R. T. Baker and H.G. particularly since some of you will Smith, and published in 1912 show be attending the AustralAsian blacksmiths 1.70 masons, bricklayers 1.50 the results of distillation trials from Annual Meeting in Tasmania later Tasmanian foliage. It was noted that this year. sawyers, 1.50 miners 1.50 much of the material was collected shoemakers 1.10 during the winter months, at a time Tasmanian timbers at the 1865 splitters 1.00 of the year when the oil is not as New Zealand Exhibition charcoal burners 1.00 abundant— consequently these In a book by E. C. Nowell, written tailors .80 results may be considered a in 1871 for emigrants thinking of gardeners .70 minimum yield for the species. coming to Tasmania, Nowells says chaingangs, other labourers .40 that “blue gum (Eucalyptus Species % oil Yield globulus) has been proved to bear a The indication is that tradesmen and E. cordata 2.32 considerably greater breaking workers connected to the timber E. amygdalina 1.90 strain than English oak (Quercus industry were reasonably well paid. E. delegatensis 1.52 robur), and for purposes where E. linearis 1.45 toughness and hardness are E. risdoni 1.38 essential, ought therefore to be E. muelleri 1.28 1830s Export Values for Timber E. urnigera 1.13 more popular. The ornamental and Timber Products woods of Tasmania, such as Huon E. perriniana 1.01 pine (Lagarostrobos franklinii), E. unialata .897 blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), Item A$/unit E. regnans .802 musk wood (Olearia argophylla), and firewood $1.00/ton E. virgata .793 myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii), sawn timber .80/100 su ft E. vericosa .764 have frequently attracted notice, shingles .10/100 E. obliqua .695 and if cut into veneers, might lathes for fences .20/100 E. coccifera .609 support a large and profitable cartwheel spokes .03 each E. viminalis .544 trade. cartwheel felloes .05 each E. rodwayi .482 coals $1.00/ton E. gunnii .387 Nowell stated that the value of E. acervula .163 Tasmanian timber is highlighted in the Report of the New Zealand Grass Tree Gum Editors note: Exhibition of 1865 which stated: In 1855 the following notes E. linearis is now E. pulchella, “The collection of Tasmanian timbers accompanied a sample of grass tree E. muelleri is now E. mulleriana exhibited is both interesting and (Xanthorrhoea australis) gum which E. virgate is now E. regnans extensive, and certainly proves the was sent from Tasmania to the Paris E. acervula is now E.gunni. right of that Colony to rank very high Universal Exhibition. among the timber-producing countries “A red gum – resin, or balsam. Used as a of the world. The specimens exhibited dye to produce Nankeen (yellow or pale may be assumed fairly to represent the buff colour) tints. On combustion it peculiar qualities of Tasmanian woods, yields a rich balsamic or incense like - which are probably, as a whole, perfume. It was used by Aboriginals as inferior to none in density, toughness, rouge, for face and head, and was also and remarkable durability, as well as considered to have prophylactic the ornamental varieties, in striking properties.” beauty.”

March/April 2010 World of Wood 21 Shrubwoods of the World

Rose by Nelis Mourik #7460-L

pinnately No other genus provides so much compound leaves, beauty in our gardens than roses do, their colorful, often for their diversity in growth forms, sweet smelling, inflorescenses, colors, and their single, double or lovely sweet odour that even causes multiple flowers some Dalbergia and Aniba woods to and their bright be called rosewoods. orange to red hips. Rose’s Latin name is Rosa (after Who will ever which the large family of Rosaceae misidentify a rose?! has been named). It is rather unclear how many ‘real’ species the genus The genus name Rosa includes. The Plantbook by D.J. Rosa is the old Latin Transverse surface of a 5cm Mabberley speaks about 100 - 150, name for the plant stem of a climbing hybris rose. while the number of hybrids and and is derived from other cultivated forms is ‘rose-red’. innumerable, according to Trees and The wood of all roses is of an equal Longtitudinal surface of Shrubs Hardy to the Brittish Isles by structure and color, dull yellow to a glued up Rosa canina W.J. Bean. light brown, without any distinct specimen’ heartwood. If there is some darker The wild species are indeginous to ‘outlines’ consisting of numerous the northern temperate hemisphere, wood around the pith, this must be due to fungal attack. Many roses rows of square to upright so-called while a few are found on mountains ‘marginal’ and ‘sheath’ cells down into the tropics. Some 45 show a wide, soft pith, which is easily penetrated. Diameters of rose respectively. Ground tissue consists species are endemic to Europe. As of thick-walled fibre tracheids. already stated, they are in the stems over 5 cm are rare. Rosaceae family, subfamily Rosoideae. Growth rings are clearly visible The wood of roses is hard, dense because the wood is ring porous to and heavy (specific gravity 800 - A well known species, most 3 widespread in Europe and a favorite semi ring porous, showing a one or 900 kg/m airdry), moderately fine under nurserymen, is Rosa canina L. two vessels wide pore ring at the textured, and straight to slightly the Dog Rose, which on its own beginning of each growth ring. wavy grained. It seasons quite resulted in countless subspecies and Vessels are generally solitary, rather slowly, with only little risk of varieties. widely spaced from each other. cracking. It is good to cut stems Microscopic feature is the presence over the pith and seal the ends, but Rose species attain heights from low, it appears to be no absolute must. suckering shrubs (for ground cover) of fine spiral thickenings on the inside walls of the vessels. Once dry it works well, but care to large shrubs and tall climbers must be taken due to its hardness. many meters high. Leading Parenchyma is apotracheal, diffuse, so not, or only seldom, in connection It can be sanded and finished to a characters of roses are their usually very smooth surface. It glues well. very thorny stems, their alternate, with a vessel. Rays are present in two different types: there are uniseriate After finishing the quarter sawn rays consisting of upright cells only (radial) surface shows a vivid and 3 to 12 cells high, and there are figure caused by the rays. The multiseriate rays, often over 6 cells wood is not durable, and is wide (even up to over 10), and susceptible to worms as well as several mm high (even up to over 10 fungi. mm). The multiseriate rays are Because of the small dimensions heterogeneous, the ‘body’ consisting this wood is not used, although it of procumbent cells, the ‘tops’ and should be suitable for small craft items. However, the dull color doesn’t make it an attractive wood. 10x magnification of ther endgrain of Rosa banksiana stem.

22 World of Wood March/April 2010 Shrubwoods of the World

Decaisnea by Nelis Mourik #7460-L

This unknown shrub is quite odd The genus name for its growth form, its enormous Decaisnea is in honor to leaves and especially its fruit. Joseph Decaisne (1807 – 1882), director of the Decaisnea is also the Latin genus Jardin des Plantes in name for the shrub, the full Paris. The specific botanical name is Decaisnea epithet fargesii is in fargesii Franch. for the only hardy honor of the shrub’s species in the genus, a native of discoverer Père P.G. Half round of Decaisnea fargesii the mountains of western China. Farges (1844 – 1912), a wood end grain. The family is the Lardizabalaceae, Roman Catholic containing more woody relatives, missionary from France, who sent the The wood of but no one really well known. first seeds of it to France in 1895. Decaisnea is Some books state there is one hard to very The wood of Decaisnea is yellow to a other species in this genus (D. hard, dense very light brown. Unfortunately the Longtitudinal surface of a insignis, native to the Himalayan and heavy to wood is easily stained to bluish-grey. glued up Decaisnea mountains), others however say very heavy Heartwood is indistinct. There is a quite fargesii wood specimen. D. fargesii is a subspecies or a (specific wide, soft pith. In older wood this pith variety of D. insignis. In spite of gravity 950 - 1050 kg/m3 airdry), fine is often rotten away, the immediately this struggle the shrub is worth textured and straight to somewhat surrounding wood included. Stems over discribing for its odd features. wavy grained. It seasons quite 10 cm across are rare and often hollow. Decaisnea is a very distinct slowly, although it should be shrub, attaining 2 to 3 m in Growth rings are easily visible, because seasoned fast and soon after felling height, consisting of a cluster of the wood is ring porous to semi ring to avoid blue staining as much as erect stems only. Leaves are porous with a single ring of earlywood possible. When drying it deforms large, pinnately compound, 0.5 to vessels at the beginning of each growth badly, due to a considerable 1 m long, consisting of 6 to 12 ring with vessels about 50 μm in difference in shrinkage rates between pairs of 10 to 20 cm long leaflets diameter. Latewood vessels are often in radial and tangential directions. and 1 top leaf. Flowers are radial or clustered groupes of 2 to 4, or Wavy grained wood also cracks yellow-green, produced in solitary, gradually decreasing in size easily. Before drying stems have to racemes up to 0.5 m long. Fruits towards the end of the growth ring frombe cut over the pith and the ends are the most remarkable on this 50 μm down to 10 μm. Perforation have to be sealed to avoid cracking, shrub, metallic blue, slimy fleshy, plates in the vessels are scalariform and although this latter slows down the in shape comparable to a broad are easily visible on the end grain in the drying process. Once dry it works bean, 8 to 10 cm long and 2 cm in binocular. Bourdering vessel walls showwell, but care must be taken because diameter. Jet black seeds are scalariform pitting when using a light of its hardness. It glues well. It can be embedded in a fleshy pulp. For microscope. So in this wood both sanded and finished to a very their external resemblance to perforation plates and intervascular smooth surface. In contradiction to pickled gherkins the Dutch pitting are scalariform (ladder-like). the expection, rays don’t contrast common name for this shrub is Parenchyma is very rare to absent. Rays very well on a finished surface, ‘Gherkin Shrub’. are wide and high, the widest being however, they contrast well in over 10 cells wide and the highest being slightly blue-stained wood. The over 1 mm high. They are wood is not durable and is very homogeneous, consisting of easily affected by fungi when wet. procumbant cells only. Typically, seen Decaisnea wood is not used. In some on a tangential section, some cells in the places in China monkeys eat the ray body are two times as large as the fruits. Nevertheless, especially if not bulk of the cells. Both ray tissue and blue-stained too bad, this wood is ground tissue are built up of thick- suitable for small turnings and other walled cells. craft items. 10x magnification of Decaisnea fargesii endgrain.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 23 Member’s Listings and Requests

Members with wood specimens for sale

Information fas been removed from this page as it is for members use only.

A Guide to More Useful Woods of the World Edited by James H. Flynn, Jr. The book includes 71 additional wood data sheets (WDS) bringing the total of published WDSs to 350, PLUS two comprehensive indexes. It also contains fourteen articles from highly respected professionals in wood-related matters: Richard Crow, Alan B. Curtis, Mihaly Czako, Eugene Dimitriadis, Robert Goldsack, Ernie Ives, Siegfried Klotsche, and Regis Miller. A Guide to More Useful Woods of the World was launched at the 2007 IWCS Annual Meeting & Woodfest in Grafton. Softcover, 376 pages. $29.95 plus postage to members.

A Guide to Useful Woods of the World Edited by James H. Flynn, Jr. and Charles D. Holder Published in 2001, the first printing sold out! Reprinted in 2007, here’s your chance to have a copy of the definitive statement on 279 woods of the world. The description for each wood includes: scientific and family names, common names, distribution, the tree, the timber, seasoning, durability, workability, uses, and supplies, along with a line drawing, a photomicrograph, and a color photograph of the wood. Also included are common name, scientific name, and family name indexes and 3 appendices. This is a second edition, softcover, 640 pages. $39.95 plus postage for members.

24 World of Wood March/April 2010 Collapse in Wood by Ian McLaughlin #6624 I have three specimens of Eucalyptus comparatively early stages of nicholii, two from local gardens in drying, i.e. during the removal of Bendigo, the other from the the free water from the cell cavities’. Ravenshoe auction, David Greve The timber industry in the early being the donor. All three have days of sawmilling (early 1900’s), at exhibited the phenomenon of least in Victoria, encountered collapse. To put it more crudely, they collapse in its production of have collapsed. scantlings and first-grade lumber, ‘Collapse’, to quote the CSIR book when milling and drying eucalypts ‘The Commercial Timbers of in the ‘ash’group. Mountain Ash Australia’ by I.H.Boas, is ‘an irregular (E.regnans) was the prime source. and frequently excessive form of Timber effected by collapse was shrinkage which is often, though not resisted strongly by the users – A collapsed specimen above and a portion always, apparent in the irregular builders, planing mills etc., to the after reconditioning below. shape which the timber assumes’. extent that a parcel of wood would After cutting it into two pieces, I Collapse occurs when the piece of be subject to rejection or subjected one of my Bendigo timber is drying from ‘green’ to ‘air- discounting, a situation which could specimens to steaming, in a dry’, either in a seasoning kiln or the not be tolerated. Leading saucepan on the stove, suspended open air. Typical results are sawmillers, helped by the CSIRO’s above the boiling water on a wire distortion in cross-section shapes, and Forest Products Division, devised a frame, for about half an hour. The a ‘washboard’ face to the wood, as method of overcoming the problem, accompanying photograph shows, well as excessive shrinkage, and and that was a process in kiln- at the top, the nature of the sometimes internal checks. To further drying of giving a final high washboard effect, (this not having quote that book, ‘Collapse differs temperature, high humidity been steamed), and at the bottom from normal shrinkage, not only in its treatment, which they called the steamed piece restored to near irregularity, due to the crumpling of ‘reconditioning’, and which restored the shape it had when cut green. groups of cells which lose their the lumber to its nominal industry Need I say that I would be wary of original shape to an extent depending sizes. It became standard practice to using any E. nicholii wood? on the severity of the collapse, but give a final reconditioning, whether also in that it occurs in the the timber was collapsed or not. Only Management Problems for Hiroo Kitaoka I visited my sisters in Minneapolis this past fall. by the chain hoists near the lathes. By chance, my sister’s friend, Laura, is the Hiroo has cut back on his turning, but daughter of Hiroo Kitaoka #4861, a long time still goes out to the shop occasionally. member of IWCS. I stopped by to visit Hiroo He joked that he was having labor and he showed me a few of his bowls. Laura and management problems, “I’m the displayed several of his larger bowls and labor and I’m having management platters in prominent places around her home. problems!” I gave him two small Laura and her husband built a spacious 2 story turning blanks of ebony and cocobolo shop especially for Hiroo’s lathes and for and he exclaimed with a twinkle in storing wood. his eye, “I can’t make a bowl out of Hiroo’s sons have the these!” turning bug and have We reminisced about other IWCS tackled large bowl members and the usual suspects were projects, as evidenced mentioned. He wanted me to say Hirro holding a block of hello to everyone. He still enjoys curly red wood. reading about everything in the World of Wood. Arthur Lee #7984

Turning a curly koa bowl. A curly koa bowl turned by Hiroo.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 25 Cracking the Code Written by Megan Gambino. Submitted by Garry Roux #6466

Every life form has a unique —the manufacturing code— and Editor’s note: Copyright 2009 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) varied enough to distinguish among Smithsonian Institution. Reprinted combination in its genetic make-up— animal species —the product with permission from which is possible to interpret in the identifier. But researchers have had a Smithsonian Enterprises. Some form of a ‘ barcode’. The trick is harder time finding a standardized editing of this article has been finding it. DNA segment for plant life. undertaken. The expedition team didn’t expect Starting five years ago, Kress’ the water to be so high or the final research team collected samples of understand which insects are stretch of the planned route across a every plant species on Plummers specialists, meaning they eat narrow channel impassable. The Island. Then, in a botany lab, certain plant species, and which are scientists have to scramble across a Erickson and others determined each generalists, which eat just about crude bridge of downed branches to one’s DNA sequence. From there, anything. get to the island’s southeastern tip they homed in on three genetic “I’m a find ‘em and grind ‘em kind of and begin collecting specimens. zones—two genes and an intergenic guy,” says Erickson, turning a “Essentially, we’re standing in a tropical spacer between genes—that common botanical slur into a boast. forest,” says botanist John Kress. In collectively could distinguish the Kress, a vegetarian, rolls his eyes in the muggy heat, he’s rolled up the plants. Along with other botanists, feigned disgust. sleeves of his white dress shirt. He Kress and Erickson are in the midst “You’re definitely not a specialist,” grabs a small tree branch and brings of a formal process to get the Erickson teases, dropping a bright its burgundy flowers into closer markers approved as the standard green caterpillar into a tiny view. “I feel like I’m in Costa Rica,” he plant barcode. Kress is hoping for specimen bag. “You’re a generalist. says. official acceptance within a year I’ve seen you eat.” A high-pitched whistle emerges from from the Consortium for the Barcode the forest. Kress’ colleague, botanist of Life, a project established in 2004 Dave Erickson, jokingly asks if it’s a to compile a reference library of howler monkey, which lives in codes. A Guide/or Developing A Wood Central and South America. “It’s Until recently, taxonomists needed a Collection whatever you want it to be,” says plant’s flowers or fruits to classify it, In a conversational tone, Kress. meaning they had to collect samples this Guide explains how to get started in wood Plummers Island, a 12-acre, at specific times of the year. But with collecting and how to teardrop-shaped landmass in the DNA barcoding, they can use any develop and maintain part of the plant—seeds, bark, roots, your collection. Written Potomac River—just over ten miles by IWCS members from Kress’ office at the Smithsonian or leaves—to identify it. Samuel H. Lamb and National Museum of Natural “But the biggest benefit is that you Alan B. Curtis it has been revised and expanded History—is about as unspoiled, and won’t have to be an expert,” says Kress. since its original printing unlikely, a landscape as can be found In the not-so-distant future, even in 1976. inside the Washington, D.C. Beltway. schoolchildren will be able to Whether your collection is wood specimens Owned by the National Park Service identify plants using a Hand-held or crafted items, the Guide offers practical information and advice. Subjects covered since 1961, Plummers Island is also DNA Sequencer capable of processing include: kinds of wood, types of collections, the most thoroughly studied island plant material and recording its how to build a collection, accurately in North America. And, thanks to barcode. They could then upload the identifying your collection, protecting your collection, how large can a collection grow, Kress and his colleagues, it is the first barcode via smartphones to an wood collecting organizations, storing a site in the world to have all 250 of its online encyclopedia with basics collection, donating your collection, and plant species barcoded. about the species, botanical art and enjoying collecting with others. anecdotal information. The Food and The extensive section of recommended DNA barcoding, the brainchild of references points out the best information Canadian geneticist Paul Hebert, is Drug Administration could use sources on herbarium specimens, modelled after the Universal Product barcoding to test herbal nomenclature, on-line databases, supplements. U.S. Customs and periodicals, tree identification, wood Code (UPC) found on consumer anatomy, wood collections, wood packaging. Each UPC has a number Border Protection could use it to identification, wood properties and uses, designating the manufacturer —say, identify suspicious imports. and wood technology. a soft drink company—and a specific Erickson has also found plant DNA This collector’s Guide is appropriate for a product identifier —diet, caffeine- in the ground-up guts of ten beginner or a seasoned expert. free, etc. Hebert found a segment of different orders of insects from $6 for members plus postage. This is a must for collectors. animal DNA common to all species Plummers Island. He wants to better

26 World of Wood March/April 2010 Trees as National Emblems – Revisited by Chuck Holder 5749 HL

About 12 years ago I got interested in the topic of trees National Trees of the World as national emblems or “Arboreal Emblems” A bit of Antigua - Whitewood, black olive (Bucida buceras) research at that time indicated that only some 25 or Bahamas - Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) Bahrain – Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) 13% of the earth’s approximately 200 countries had Barbados – Bearded fig (Ficus citrifolia) seen fit to legislate such national emblems although Belize – Big-leaf mahogany, caoba (Swietenia macrophylla) many more than that had legislated national floral Bhutan - Bhutan cypress; tseden (Cupressus torulosa) emblems or national birds. Given the importance of Cambodia – Palmyra palm, sugar palm (Borassus flabellifer) trees and forests to mankind, I found this quite an Canada – Maple (Acer spp) interesting shortcoming in the area of national cultural Caymen Islands - Silver thatch palm (Coccothrinax proctorii) icons given the presumed importance accorded to Chile –Chilean-pine, pehuen (Araucaria araucana) birds and flowers as national emblems. At the time of China – Gingko (Gingko biloba) my earlier research, even such arborealy rich nations Colombia – Quindio wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense) as the USA and Australia had not selected a national Costa Rica – Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) tree. Happily, now, at least the USA and a few other Cuba - Palma real, royal palm (Roystonea regia) countries have seen fit to legislate a national tree – the Cyprus – Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia) generic oak in the case of the USA, and the list is Czech Republic – European linden, lime (Tilia x europa) somewhat longer. But, alas, the list is still woefully Denmark – Common beech (Fagus sylvatica) inadequate considering the importance of trees to Dominica - Bois kwaib, caribwood (Poitea carinalis) agriculture, water management, climate impact and, to Dominican Republic – West Indian mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) mankind in general as providers of such basics as El Salvador – Maquilishuat, pink poui (Tabebuia rosea) Equatorial Guinea – Ceiba, kapoc (Ceiba pentandra) food, clothing and shelter, in the spectrum of life Estonia – Oak (Quercus spp) forms on earth. I invite comment from IWCS members Finland – European white birch, silver birch (Betula pendula) on any countries or national trees that they feel should Gabon – Gabon-mahogany, okoumé (Aucoumea klaineana) be on or off this list. Greece - Olive (Olea europa) An update of my earlier research of the topic was Guatemala – Ceiba, kapok (Ceiba pentandra) recently carried out. Although the following list may Honduras – Oocarpa pine (Pinus oocarpa) be incomplete it is thought to be a fairly accurate India – Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) representation of the current situation since all Jamaica - Blue mahoe (Talipariti elatum) countries were researched. It shows that some 59 Kashmir - Chinar, bounne (Platanus orientalis) countries or about 30 perecent of the nations on earth Kenya – Umbrella thorn (Acacia tortilis) have adopted an arboreal emblem. It should be noted Laos – Red franjipani ; dok champa (Plumeria rubra) also that some of these species are likely “unofficial” Lebanon – Cedar-of-Lebanon (Cedrus libani) Madagascar – Baobab (Adansonia spp) national emblems – commonly accepted as such but Maldives – Coconut palm, dhivehi ruh (Cocos nucifera) not formally legislated. From a wood collector’s Malawi - Mulanje-cedar (Widdringtonia whytei) perspective, it would be an impressive achievement to Malta – G’´arg’´ar, Barbary-thua (Tetraclinis articulata) have a specimen of wood from each of the national Mexico – Mexican cypress, ahuehuete (Taxodium mucronatum) arboreal emblems in one’s collection. Long time IWCS Nicaragua – Madronao, degame (Calycophyllum candissimum) member, Richard Crow, with the largest private wood Pakistan – Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) collection known, reports that he has all but four of Panama – Panama tree (Sterculia apetala) them on this list represented in his collection of over Peru – Chinchona, quinnine tree (Chinchona pubescens) 7,000 species. Philippines – Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) Looking at the list, one might well ask “where or Saudi Arabia – Phoenix or date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) what, is the Australian national tree?” With its rich Saint Kitts and Nevis - Flamboyant tree (Delonix regia) arboreal flora and popularized trees such as the Saint Lucia - Calabash (Crescentia cujete) coolibah tree, the wattles or acacias and that Senegal – Baobab (Adansonia digitata) ubiquitous eucalypt, the river red gum, and all the Slovakia – Tilia, linden (Tilia cordata) other eucalypts, what is holding our Aussie friends Slovenia – Tilia, linden (Tilia cordata) back? To their credit, the Australian group in IWCS South Africa – Real yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius) once had a committee actively working on promoting Sri Lanka – Na, gau-gau, Ceylon ironwood (Mesua ferrea) Sweden - Silver birch (Betula pendula) the adoption of such emblems at the State level for Tanzania - African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) Australia – but simply could not get the “polys” Thailand – Rachapruek, Indian laburnum (Cassia fistula) (Australian for politicians) interested and the effort United Arab Emirates - Ghaf, umbrella tree (Prosopis cineraria) ran out of steam. To be fair, Australia’s national flower United Kingdom – English oak (Quercus robur; Q. petraea) is a small tree or shrub borne flower, the golden wattle United States – Oak (Quercus spp) (Acacia pycnantha) - but considering the many mighty Venezuela – Araguaney, guayacan (Handroanthus chrysanthus) trees there, surely one of them could be selected as a Yemen – Socotra dragontree (Dracaena cinnabari) national arboreal emblem – end of sermon!

March/April 2010 World of Wood 27 Australian Woods No 19 by Morris Lake #7634 Athrotaxis selaginoides King Billy pine celery top pine (Phyllocladus asplerniifolius). On the higher Derivation: Athrotaxis from the Greek slopes it is found with pencil pine athros=crowded together and (Athrotaxis cupressoides), and on taxis=arrangement, alluding to the stream or lake-side sites with crowded nature of the cone scales, eucalypts such as cider gum selaginoides from selaginella=a club moss (Eucalyptus gunnii), or with and oides=like, hence the club moss-like Tasmanian snow gum leaves. (Eucalyptus coccifera) in sub- Family: Cupressaceae has four genera alpine low open forests. In sub- in Australia, Actinostrobus, Athrotaxis , alpine open woodland, such as at Callitris and Disselma. Athrotaxis the top end of Dove Lake on originated about 100 million years ago, Cradle Mountain it is associated has three species in Tasmania, with a dense understory of tangle cupressoides, laxifolia and selagenoides. foot (Nothofagus gunnii) and Callitris is the largest with 15 species in horizontal (Anodopetalum Australia. biglandulosum). Other names: The wood has also been The tree: A medium-sized to tall called cedar, pencil cedar and red pine. tree growing to 30 m in height King Billy in a sheltered grove on the notthern Distribution: The common name King and 1.8 m in diameter and as old side of Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain. Billy comes from King William pine as 1,500 years. Trees often have which perhaps refers to stands in the long clear trunks with relatively King William Range where it grew in small tufted crowns. The bowl is the mountainous regions usually from frequently forked, fluted, 750 m to 1200 m above sea level. It has butressed or curved in a butt- a life span of 1000 years and is found sweep. Higher altitude trees are along the northwestern and frequently reduced to stunted southeastern margins of the central deformed shrubs, which may plateau and from the Mt Fields Range nevertheless be more than 500 to the mountains of the west and years old. Trees of this species southwest. Over this area the climate is are frequently long-lived. cold and wet with maximum Possibly the oldest living temperatures of 17-20oC and a specimen is in the Cradle minimum around zero with heavy Mountain National Park and is snowfalls. The rainfall range is 1200- roughly estimated to be 1,500 Two examples 2750 mm with a winter maximum. years old with a base dimension of King Billy It grows on sheltered mid-slopes or of around 4 m. trunk. The valley bottoms on fairly deep soils, and upper is a mid- less commonly on steep rocky slopes growth tree and exposed ridges. In the windy and while the lower ice-blasted sub-alpine areas it occurs as is aged, with a a twisted dwarf. The soils on the moss-covered highest parts are acid peat and alpine and heavily humus. There are some small stands in fissured bark. cool temperate rainforests in association with myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii), southern sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum) and

King Billy pine growing on a lake- side site beside Lake Dobson, Mt Field on the central plateau.

28 World of Wood March/April 2010 Wood of Athrotaxis selaginoides The heartwood is pink to reddish with distinctive closely spaced growth rings indicating its very slow growth. This standard size specimen has 100 annual growth rings in 3 inches (7.5 mm). Sapwood is yellow in colour, very narrow and not readily distinguishable from heartwood.

Characteristics Texture is fine with growth rings prominent and the grain is straight. Growth is slow and typically uneven. Compression wood Untreated specimen of King Billy pine. is common. Air dry density at 12% moisture is 400 kg/m3 which makes it the development that were in inaccessible locations, as well as lightest of Tasmanias timber species. stumps are being recovered and used. They are particularly Despite its lightness it is fairly strong and important for the manufacture of stringed musical instruments remarkably durable in the ground or in the and during the 1980s there was a serious move led by a project open air, which made it very popular for led by Douglas Findlay, the Tasmanian Conservatorium, and the doors, windows and roofing in the form of University of Tasmania towards the establishment of a violin shingles in early buildings. Shrinkage is manufacturing industry in the State following tests which about 1.5% radial and 4% tangential. When showed that King Billy pine has similar properties to the free of compression wood it works well, accepted European maple. planes readily, seasons easily with small As with other rainforest trees, fire has a devastating effect on shrinkage, and responds well to steam King Billy pine. The closed canopy, relatively nonflammable bending. It can be nailed and screwed foliage, sparse ground cover and constant humidity aids in without splitting. Timber samples from preventing deep penetration of fire. However, dry times, and the exposed sites, or from fire-killed trees may opening of roads, and logging increase fire danger and be harder. It glues satisfactorily. regeneration is extremely poor. The exploitation of King Billy and Huon pine was the first Uses industry on the west This wood is very durable and some has coast of Tasmania and been dated at ages between 1200 and 1700 large quantities were years. It has served well in the making of shipped through oars and in boat building. It was popular Macquarie Harbour for pattern-making, battery separators, for until the 1930s. vats, external joinery and furniture, and However, there has sounding boards for pianos and violins. It been little attention paid was popular for drawing boards, carriage to the rehabilitation and works, wooden pipes and slats for venetian regeneration of the blinds. During the west coast boom in the species following 1880s it was highly reputed as a logging. This is not construction timber. Because the timber surprising since it takes splits easily and cleanly in all longitudinal around 40 years for a planes it makes excellent shingles, and for seedling to grow to one this reason a large percentage of timber that metre tall in the wild. has become available in recent times has been used for the repair of Heritage Buildings. In the past it was popular locally for beehive boxes because of its lightness Two healthy stands of and durability. King Billy pine (darker At present it is very scarce, and is very green) stretching from restricted by availability. Because of its Dove Lake up the steep durability however, logs cut during escarpment of Cradle Mountain.

March/April 2010 World of Wood 29 Regis-tree New members of the International Wood Collectors Society

Information fas been removed from this page as it is for members use only.

Key to Members’ Interests 1 Wood collecting- casual or serious interest in acquiring wood specimens; interested in field collecting; interested in collecting crafted wood items; other. 2 Wood/wood technology - dendrology; study of trees; timber research; wood identification; wood anatomy; microtomy; other. 3 Wood supplier - willing to trade or supply wood for specimens or craft purposes. 4 Woodworking projects - boxes; canes; games; toys; puzzles; clocks; jewellery; craft items; models; miniatures; musical instruments; furniture; cabinetry; other. 5 Woodworking techniques - carving, marquetry; intarsia; pyrography; spindle or bowl turning; ornamental turning; other. 6 Other wood, wood crafting, or wood related interests. 7 Teaching, writing, instruction - would write articles for IWCS or demonstrate/present at IWCS meetings; other.

30 World of Wood March/April 2010 Wood Meets

15-20 August 2010 IWCS – Annual Meeting Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Centre Near Asheville, North Carolina. 15 May 2010 It’s not too early to plan ahead. There will be many things to do and plenty to see. You may want to plan a vacation around the IWCS Jasonville Regional Meeting Annual Meeting. Wright Township Fire Department Contacts are being made as we plan the classes and Midland, Indiana demonstrations for the meeting. If you have any suggestions or on Highway 59 South of Jasonville, would like to help or give a class please let us know. Indiana We will be offering a full day tour on Tuesday, August 17, which Your dispalys are welcome includes the Biltmore Estate and the Folk Art Center. This tour Registration starts at 8 am. package will include motor coach transportation, admission to the Biltmore house, gardens and winery, and an all inclusive lunch at Registration fee of $9.50 per person for Biltmore Estate’s Deerpark Restaurant. After leaving the Biltmore morning coffee and doughnuts and a Estate we go to the Folk Art Center, home of the Southern Highland delicious country meal prepared and Craft Guild, representing craft artists from Southern Appalachia. served by the men and women of the The price for the tour will be $99.00 per person. Wright Township Fire Department. To volunteer or get more information contact Robert and Patricia Bring a friend and introduce them to Dickherber at [email protected] phone 314-740-6593. our organisation. A sawmill will be Contact for program director Tom Kinney is onsite along with craft and other wood [email protected] phone 352-237-3114 related displays. A wood auction as well as a craft and miscellaneous wood Look for registration forms in this issue. Look for more craft auction will be held. For wood information in upcoming issues. collectors and crafters, regional meetings are a good place to find that 4 — 11 October, 2010 special wood you have been looking for. You may also find woodworkers who TREES —TIMBER — TRAVEL ... TASMANIA will share their woodworking AustralAsian Annual Meeting techniques with you. Several Camp Banksia, Port Sorell, Tasmania, Australia demonstrations are being planned. This meeting coincides with the • Ulverstone Woodworking Guild All new members will be introduced to Exhibition • Wynyard Tulip Festival • Nearby the Wynyard the Society. Motor Museum—1903 Oldest registered “A” Model Ford in the Call Herb or Jackie Stough at 812-847- world. 4071 or Don Lawson 812-847-2511 to There will be excursions to • Tasmanian Design Centre • School register and receive more information. of Fine Woodworking • Somerset Veneer Factory • Arboretums We understand that our President, • Wild Wood • Forest Eco-Centre • First Basin Gardens • Garry Roux, and several members from Cockatoo Timbers, etc. surrounding states are planning to There will be guest speakers plus demonstrations, wood auctions attend. and a tree and timber trivia quiz. For the ladies there will a private Join us and enjoy the day. tour of Latrobe: Shops, Chocolate Factory, Cheese Factory. BIill and Myrtle Cockrell. There is a variety of accommodation available. We are hoping that Call Herb and Jackie Stough on 812- most will take advantage of the low-cost bunk-style FULLY 847-4071 or Don Lawson at 812-847- CATERED option at Camp Banksia ($50 per day). • also available 2511 for more information. two ensuite rooms ($30 extra) • Plus there are cabins at caravan parks nearby • or, you could stay at the luxurious Shearwater Resort. This will be a great meeting—don’t miss it. Stay on to see all the things we haven’t been able to cram into the programme. Contact Graeme Briton, [email protected].

March/April 2010 World of Wood 31 Book Review By Ron DeWitt #6037 S Conifers of the World: The Complete Reference by James E. Eckenwalder, published by Timber Press 2009 in hardback. A large book 2" thick x 8½” x 11", extensively illustrated with high quality color and black and white photos, original illustrations and distribution maps, 631pp., 4 appendices, a glossary and bibliography. ISBN; 978-0-88192-974-4. Price U.S. $59.95, available from Amazon, Timber Press.

James E. Eckenwalder has spent objectives have more than three decades developing been achieved the source material used in this admirably. definitive work on the conifers. The result is an up As described by the author his to date description of all the true The author, James E, Eckenwalder, a primary goals in writing this book conifers of the world including 545 life member of IWCS #3638L, is were three; “ presenting and species of trees and shrubs and many Associate Professor of Plant explaining …changes in classification of their 3000 cultivars. Discussed are Systematics at the Department of and the revisions of names that relationships among the groups, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at followed”,”… to present descriptions practical usages, champion trees, the University of Toronto where he and identification guides for all of fossil occurrences and biology. Dr. focuses on taxonomy, natural the world’s living conifers as they Eckenwalder also shares the hybridization and macroevolution. occur in nature” and “… to simplify reasoning behind his taxonomic He graduated from Reed College in the language of the plant decisions. Portland, Oregon and earned his descriptions and identification This major work is an essential doctorate from the University of guides as much as possible in order reference and is highly California, Berkley. His research to make them accessible to a wider recommended for botanists, which has resulted in significant audience than just the botanical naturalists, horticulturists, changes to conifer taxonomy, cognoscenti.” ornamental hobbyists , any of those emphasizes the classification and An overriding motivation behind this involved with tree identification or evolution of vascular plants, work was to share the author’s having an interest in trees and especially trees. “fascination and enthusiasm for plants. these wonderful plants.” These

International Wood Collectors Society NON-PROFIT c/o Bill & Myrt Cockrell 2300 West Rangeline Road ORGANISATION Greencastle, IN 46123-7875 U.S. Postage PAID Greencastle, IN Permit No. 24

32 World of Wood March/April 2010