"Greasy" perhaps isn't the best term for describing the general properties of ebony, but it seemed more appropriate than "resinous" or other terms for which I'd have felt the need to explain that it's more difficult to glue, partly due to resin content and also due to the tight grain in a good piece, where the only point needed was that it doesn't permit penetration of of external contaminants - or of the glue.

(The old "chicken blood" that held early airplanes together probably still works about as well as more "modern adhesives" for strong ebony joints, but it does smell pretty bad 'till it cures.)

The additonal comment is appreciated in any case.

John