MAHOGANY. The swietenia maha goni, or mahogany tree, is a native of the warmest parts of America, and grows also in the island of Cuba, Jamaica, His paniola, and the Bahama islands. It abounded formerly in the low lands of Jamaica; but it is now found only on hills, and places difficult of access, This tree grows tall and straight, rising often sixty feet from the spur to the limbs ; and is about four feet in diameter. The thliage is a beautiful deep green, and the appear ance made by the whole tree very ele gant. The flowers are of a reddish or saffron colour, and the fruit of an oval form, about the size of a turkey's egg. Some ot• them have reached to a mon strous size, exceeding one hundred feet in height. In felling these trees, the most beautiful part is commonly left behind. The negro workmen raise a seaffblding of four or five feet elevation from the ground, and hack up the trunk, which they cut into balks. The part below, extending to the root, is not only of larger diameter, but of a closer texture than the other parts, most elegantly diversified with shades or clouds, or dotted like er mine with spots : it takes the highest polish, with a singular lustre. This part is only to be come at by digging below the spur, to the depth of two or three feet, and cutting it through ; which is so laborious an operation, that few attempt it, except they are curious in the choice of their wood, or to serve a particular purpose. The mahogany tree thrives in
most soils ; but varies in texture and grain, according to the nature of the soil. On rocks it is of a smaller size ; but very hard and weighty, and of a close grain, and beautifully shaded ; while the pro duce of the low and richer lands is ob served to be more light and porous, of a paler colour, and open grain ; and that of mixed soils to hold a medium between both. This constitutes the difference be tween the Jamaica wood and that which is collected from the coast of Cuba and the Spanish Main ; the former is mostly found on rocky eminences ; the latter is cut in swampy soils, near the sea coast. The superior value of the Jamaica wood, for beauty of colouring, firmness, and durability, may therefore be easily ac counted for ; and a large quantity of balks and planks is brought from the Spanish American coasts to Jamaica, to be ship ped from thence to Great Britain. This wood is generally hard, takes a fine polish, and is found to answer better than any other sort in all kinds of cabinet ware. It is a very strong timber, and was fre quently used as such in Jamaica in former times. It is said to be used sometimes in ship-building; a purpose for which it would be remarkably adapted, if not too costly ; being very durable, capable of resisting gun-shots, and burying the shots without splintering.