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of the Japanese, and is chiefly prized on account of the beauty of its grain and colour. It is also thought to be very lasting and is always used in erections which are intended to be durable. Sungi is a kind of cedar and grows in large quantities throughout the whole of Japan. There are many qualities of sungi, the best being almost as good in appearance as shinoki: it is however much cheaper. Sungi is principally used in the dwelling houses of the people which are only desired to be of an ordinary description. A cheaper wood which is used for more temporary erections is matsu, a sort of pine. This wood is also used in bridges as, being a long-fibred wood, it bears a considerable transverse strain, but it is by no means durable. Kuri, or horse chestnut, is a very hard wood which does not grow to any size and is principally used for piles below water. A wood very much resemling ash, named kashi, is used for boat’s oars, handles of implements, &c. Hiba is very lasting under water, and is also used for piles. Tsuga is a kind of shinoki but of very good quality. Momi is a cheap wood something resembling matsu and used for the same purposes.
There are various other woods grown in this part of Japan, but the above are those most commonly used for building purposes.
The following are the names of the Woods grown in the Island of Yezo—thirty-four in number, specimens of which I have received, and I have now the pleasure of presenting them to the Society. Sakura or common cherry tree, Shiki Sakura, a kind of cherry tree which is said to blossom in all seasons; Yanangi or Willow; Kada Sungi or Cedar; Kuwa or Mulberry tree; Ni-nga-noki or Mulberry tree; Momi or Pine; Kurumi or Walnut; Yezo-matz or Juniper; Kuri or Chestnut, Kutsura a sort of pine; Mom-i-ji or Maple; Kashiwa or Oak; Sugunara another kind of Oak; Ishi nara another kind of Oak; Hannoki or Alder; Hachigo Hannoki another kind of Alder; Shuro a Palmtree; Ho or Honobei, Yenju; Midzuki; Ouko, Aburangi; Tosen; Kisen Tani-chi-tamo; Aka-tamo; Nana kamado; Asada; Shinku; Itaya, Gambi; Doro, Shina.
