“It is somewhat remarkable that among the trees of the largest growth they should nearly all be found of inferior quality, and apparently liable to early decay—yet such is their character, when considered in reference to the specimens examined.
“The trees of more moderate dimensions assume a better character, and if greater lengths, in proportion to the given diameter, can be obtained in the Taxa and the Mocosso-cosso, they would be found useful for beams, keelsons, &c. The Páo-fava and the Metteral are both very good woods, but an increased length and size is wanting to give them value for beams, planks, &c. Further information is needed from Mozambique on these four last-named woods, us to whether greater lengths are procurable, and as to the quantities to be found in the forests; if these are easy obtainable in large quantities, and they can be brought readily to a port for shipment, they would be deserving of a trial in our dock-yards.
“Mr. M’Leod states that Dr. Livingstone has found African oak and lignum-vitæ up the Zambesi.
“The under-mentioned woods from the Seychelles and the Mauritius were examined:—
“1. Tacamaca red; 2. Tacamaca white; 3. Bois de natte; 4. Bois de natte; 5. Tacamaca rouge; 6. Tacamaca blanc; 7. Bois montagur; 8. Bois danner blanc; 9. Bois blanc; 10. Bois marri petite feuille; 11. Bois rouge; 12. Bois de pomme; 13. Bois de ronde; 14. Bois d’olive; 15. Faux gayac d’ile de Solomon; 16. Tambalicoque; 17. Capuchin; 18. Calofan; 19. Bois puant.
“The foregoing may be classed as follows, viz.:—
“1st. All those of small dimensions, that scarcely attain to the character of timber-trees, and including the larger woods of inferior quality—of these are Nos. 1 to 16 inclusive.
“2nd. The trees of large growth—these are Nos. 17 to 19 inclusive.
“No. 17. Capuchin, a red, hard wood, heavy, and apparently of good quality; it is stated to grow to an enormous size at the Seychelles, and to be durable. The specimen examined was too small to enable me to form a correct opinion of its qualities as a ship-building wood.