PRINCIPAL SPECIES OF EUCALYPTS GROWN IN AMERICA. 55 



odored." The flowers are abundant and conspicuous, in compound 

 clusters. The flower buds are often nearly pear-shaped, the covering 1 

 being nearly hemispherical. The seed cases are either egg-shaped or 

 somewhat globular. (See PI. LIII.) 



Climatic requirements. — The tree thrives in the frostless coast region, 

 but is not suited to the dry interior valleys. It is especially sensitive 

 to low temperatures. Baron von Mueller sa}^s of it, in his Select 

 Extra-tropical Plants, that it is "particularly adapted to a tropical 

 jungle-clime." 



Uses. — On account of the characteristics mentioned above this 

 tree is suited for forest planting in the lowlands of tropical and semi- 

 tropical regions. The wood is of a grayish, brownish, or yellowish tint; 

 and flexible, strong, and durable. According to Mr. Maiden the timber 

 is used for fencing, implement handles, shipbuilding, paving, railway 

 ties, bridge building, lumber for inside woodwork of homes, carriage 

 making, and for railway coaches. It is said to be replacing Amerp 

 can hickory, in Australia, in coach factories along the coast. The 

 great value of this wood is due to its strength, elasticity, and beauty. 

 It has been especially useful in Australia for paving. In the South- 

 west, where the good hard- wood timber used is shipped from the North- 

 east, planters of Eucalypts would do well to consider the merits of this 

 excellent, fast-growing tree. Its profuse bloom makes it valuable also 

 for bee pasture. 



Eucalyptus coriacea. 



Drooping White Gum. 



Characteristics.— -The tree is of medium size, rarely exceeding 75 

 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter. It is a stately and quite hand- 

 some tree. The main branches are usually spreading, and the smaller 

 branches drooping. The bark is smooth and grayish. The twigs and 

 flower clusters are sometimes adorned with a bluish white bloom. 

 The leaves are shiny, the same color on both sides, and quite thick, 

 giving the tree its specific name coriacea, the Latin for "leathery." 

 The principal veins run lengthwise of the leaf. The medium-sized 

 flower* are in compact clusters. The shape of the fruits is that of the 

 broader part of an egg. 



Climatic requirements. — The tree does best in regions of moderate 

 temperatures, a short distance from the coast. It is resistant to frost. 

 In Australia it grows from the base to near the top of the highest 

 mountains. It will not endure drought, nor a dry, hot atmosphere, 

 though supplied with plenty of water artificially. The specimen at the 

 Santa Monica Forestry Station died during the recent drought in the 

 South\\c>t. 



Uses. — The timber is comparatively soft, splits fairly well, but is 

 rather brittle. It is not useful for underground purposes, but makes 



