_In Japan_, according to Kœmpfer,[28] ants do considerable damage to wood.
_In Senegal_, the ant (_Termite belliqueux_) is a formidable agent of destruction. In a season, all the carpentry of a house is destroyed by them. Spartimann, in his ‘Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope,’[29] gives an excellent account of their methods of working.
The _Termite lucifuge_ has been discovered in the environs of _Bordeaux_, in the pine-trees; also in the marine workshops at _Rochefort_. It is believed to have been imported from America.
The _Termite flavicole_, a few years since, attacked the olive-trees of _Spain_, and it occasionally visits the centre of _France_.
White or yellow pine wood can only be used in the tropics for doors, movable window frames, bodies of railway waggons, or other work intended to be kept in motion. Its use even for these purposes is questionable, as the white ant has such an affinity for it, that a door or a window which has remained shut for a few weeks will almost invariably be attacked by that insect.
North American pitch pine withstands very well the attacks of the termite, when used in the roofs of buildings, or in any locality not humid; but it is found after a time, when laid upon the earth, to lose its resisting powers, as well as to become subject to rapid decay.
“Greenheart” timber in its natural state is proof against the attacks of this insect in tropical climates--especially that known as the “purple-heart” wood. There are two reasons why it enjoys this immunity from attack: first, there is its great hardness; and, secondly, there is the presence of a large quantity of essential oil. It is very hard and durable wood; a little heavier than water. It is obtained at Demerara.[30] Great care is required in working it, as it is very liable to split. In sawing it is necessary to have all the logs bound tightly with chains, failing which precaution the log would break up into splinters, and be very apt to injure the men working it.
“Jarrah” wood, from Australia, is also proof against the attacks of the white ant. It is occasionally liable to shakes.
“Panao” wood, from the Philippine Islands, gives the talay oil, which destroys insects in wood.
“Bilian” wood is imported to Bombay, from Sarawak, Borneo. This wood is impervious to the attacks of the termite, and does not decay when under fresh or salt water, where it remains as hard as stone.