North American pitch pine withstands very well the attacks of the termite, when used in the roofs of buildings, or in any locality not humid; but it is found after a time, when laid upon the earth, to lose its resisting powers, as well as to become subject to rapid decay.
“Greenheart” timber in its natural state is proof against the attacks of this insect in tropical climates—especially that known as the “purple-heart” wood. There are two reasons why it enjoys this immunity from attack: first, there is its great hardness; and, secondly, there is the presence of a large quantity of essential oil. It is very hard and durable wood; a little heavier than water. It is obtained at Demerara.[30] Great care is required in working it, as it is very liable to split. In sawing it is necessary to have all the logs bound tightly with chains, failing which precaution the log would break up into splinters, and be very apt to injure the men working it.
“Jarrah” wood, from Australia, is also proof against the attacks of the white ant. It is occasionally liable to shakes.
“Panao” wood, from the Philippine Islands, gives the talay oil, which destroys insects in wood.
“Bilian” wood is imported to Bombay, from Sarawak, Borneo. This wood is impervious to the attacks of the termite, and does not decay when under fresh or salt water, where it remains as hard as stone.
“Sál” wood, in India, is occasionally touched by the white ant. This wood, however, requires two years to season, and it will twist, shrink, and warp whenever the surface is removed, after many years’ seasoning. Only about 2 lb. of creosote oil per cubic foot can be injected into sál wood. “Kara-mardá” is avoided by this little insect; but when used for planks it requires twelve to fifteen months’ previous seasoning. “Neem-wood,” used for making carved images, enables an image to remain undisturbed by the white ant.
The following is a list of woods which resist for a long time, if not altogether, the attacks of the termites, or white ants:
ANT-RESISTING WOODS.
America.—Butternut, pitch pine. (Pitch pine is sometimes attacked.)
Australia, Western.—Jarrah.