Page:Timber and Timber Trees, Native and Foreign.djvu/144

124 apprehend that any serious difficulty is likely to arise for some time to come; but, happen when it may, there are yet the forests of Siam, which are said to be very extensive, and also those of Java, almost untouched; and from these, I imagine, the future supplies for the European market could be drawn.

Teak timber is sorted into A, B, and C classes in the London market, according to dimensions, not quality, A class or pile being 15 inches and upwards on the larger side, and 23 feet and upwards in length; B, ditto ditto, 12 and under 15 inches on the larger side, and 23 feet and upwards in length; C, ditto ditto, under 12 inches on the larger side, and 23 feet and upwards in length; D are damaged logs. B and C classes are usually sold at about 10 to 20 shillings per load under the price for A pile timber.

The value of Teak in the London market has fluctuated very much. In 1859 and 1860, the market being overstocked, it stood as low as £10 to £11 per load of 50 cubic feet; but, in 1861, when there was a sudden and unexpected demand for timber generally, it rose to £16 per load; it soon, however, declined again, and is now (1875), with a stock of about 8,000 loads of Moulmein and Rangoon upon hand in the London market, to be had at about £12 to £14 per load.