Satinwood.

Satinwood. This is perhaps the most valuable of the light-coloured furniture woods. Two kinds of satinwood are known in commerce, both being somewhat similar in appearance, although they do not appear to be closely allied botanically. One kind is obtained from a moderate-sized deciduous tree (Chloroxylon swietenia), growing in Central and South India, including Ceylon. It is allied to the mahogany-tree, and as regards appearance the wood might be called a yellow mahogany. In India satinwood is used for house-building and agricultural implements, as well as for furniture purposes; but richly figured pieces of it, especially, are exported to England for cabinet-work. West Indian satinwood is the better of the two kinds—at least it is more commonly used for furniture. It comes chiefly from San Domingo and Porto Rico, but, although the wood has been long used in Europe, its botanical source is not certainly known. It is, however, supposed to be furnished by an Ebenaceous tree. Satinwood, of either kind, is hard, very close-grained, and takes a fine polish. It can be cut into small mouldings better than most woods, but it is of a 'greasy' nature, and does not hold glue well. In colour it is of a subdued yellow passing into brown, and much of it has a rich satiny or feathery figure which is very beautiful. It has been much used in costly furniture, but not so extensively in recent years. The cabins of passenger steamers are often panelled with satinwood, which is also a good deal employed for small ornamental articles.