Espave appears to be a tree which is increasing in

Espave appears to be a tree which is increasing indegree of representation; at least there are parts of Central America where the increase  in its numbers has been very perceptible, especially along the Bayano River in panama, where the tree attains it best development. The tree is usually found in the dense forests, where the trunks lengthens into tall cylindrical columns, often without limbs for a distance of from 40 to 60 feet, reaching a total heighth of from 80 to 100 feet. A diameter of from 3-5 feet breast high is nothing unusual for a tree of this species. The wood of the espave has generally been used locally for making kitchen cabinets, utensils and fuel. Recent investigations have shown that it is worthy of a higher rank among the woods of Panama than has hither to been assigned to it. The wood has a very pleasing texture and is light brown at first, with a shade of yellow, but will turn considerably darker upon exposure to light and air. It is moderately fine but very cross-grained, which add to the figure of the wood. It takes a fine polish and being of rather more than medium hardness and toughnest has recently found applications to many purposes where strength and elasticity are essential. It has been used for making furniture  and cabinets and doubtless will sooner or later find its way into uses for interior finish. The wood has great lasting qualities and has for many years formed one of the chief materials in central America from which boats and dugouts were made. Espave has recently been introduced into New York markets as another furniture wood, and it comes very opportunately, for Espave is destined to take the place of some of the less valuable mohoghany  substitutes.