TEAK. The teak-tree is a native of diffe rent parts of India, as well as of Birma, chiefly along the banks of the Irawaddy, and of the islands from Ceylon to the Moluccas. The teak-tree grows to an immense size, and is remarkable for its very large leaves, which are from 12 to 24 inches long and from 8 to 16 broad, and arc compared by Oriental writers to the ears of the elephant.
From extensive experience teak timber has been found the most valuable timber for ship building, and has been called the oak of the East. The wood is light, brownish-coloured, easily worked, but at the same time strong and durable. It is soon seasoned, and, from containing a resinous oil, resists the action of water, as well as insects of all kinds.
Some interesting details have lately been published concerning the export of teak-timber from Moulmein in India. Teak is the prin cipal article of export from that province, both in quantity and value. During the year 1849 upwards of 25,000 tons were shipped to various parts of the world, all properly converted, by hand or machinery, of a value estimated in the rough at 100,000/. The teak of these provin ces and the surrounding foreign states, which finds its way into Moulmein, is of a very ' superior quality, and unequalled for ship building purposes by any other wood in the ' world. The annual supply is more than the
demand, in consequence of this port being but little known to the English ship-owners and builders. There is almost an unlimited extent of teak forests in the neighbouring states, of superior quality, and easily worked. The price of first-rate converted squares and planks is 31. per ton of 50 cubic feet, of lengths ranging from 25 feet to 50 feet, and from 10X10 to 21 X 24 inches square. A vessel arriving 'here at any time of the year can always procure a cargo, provided she is supplied with funds, or a credit on a good Calcutta house. The time calculated for loading is ten working days for every 100 tons, although a vessel of a large size generally loads much quicker on account of the stowage being easier. In consequence of the abundance of teak to be had at this port, it is likely to become the first building port in India. It has already turned out some of the finest ships now afloat, and as strength and durabi lity are much sought after, this place is most advantageously situated for building good vessels.