ENQUIRY INTO PLANTS, V. IV. 7–V. 1
[1]In the island of Tylos off the Arabian coast they say that there is a kind of wood[2] of which they build their ships, and that in sea-water this is almost proof against decay; for it lasts more than 200 years if it is kept under water, while, if it is kept out of water, it decays sooner, though not for some time. They also tell of another strange thing, though it has nothing to do with the question of decay: they say that there is a certain tree,[3] of which they cut their staves, and that these are very handsome, having a variegated appearance like the tiger's skin; and that this wood is exceedingly heavy, yet when one throws it down on hard ground[4] it breaks in pieces like pottery.
Moreover, the wood of the tamarisk[5] is not weak there, as it is in our country, but is as strong as kermes-oak or any other strong wood. Now this illustrates also the difference in properties caused by country and climate. Moreover when wood, such as that of oak or fir, is soaked in brine—not all being soaked at the same depth in the sea, but some of it close to shore, some rather further out, and some at a still greater depth—[6]in all cases the parts of the tree nearest the root (whichever tree it is) sink quicker under water, and even if they float, have a greater tendency to sink.
Which kinds of wood are easy and which hard to work. Of the core and its effects.
V. Some wood is easy to work, some difficult. Those woods which are soft are easy, and especially
