BY FRED. TURNER, 139 



genera are aquatic plants and fairl}' common in some of the slug- 

 gish water-courses. The Myrtaceca comprise both arboreal and 

 shrubby growth, occurring in more or less profusion over nearly 

 the whole of this region. The pretty, white-flowering shrub, 

 Calythrix tetragona, LabilL, is often seen, generally in sandy 

 country. The lobes of the calyx are produced into fine awns, 

 about one-quarter of an inch long, hence it is sometimes called 

 " spider-bush." Several species of Leptosperminn and Melaleuca 

 grow near some of the water-courses, and when in bloom are a 

 pretty sight amongst the surrounding, somewhat sombre vege- 

 tation. The genus Aiigophora is represented by one species, A. 

 intermedia, DC, which grows into a fair-sized tree in some 

 situations, but the principal arboreal vegetation is the Eucalyptus^ 

 of which the noblest member is E. rostrata, Schlecht. This tree 

 grows abundantly on the banks of rivers, billabongs, and creeks, 

 and on land subject to periodical inundation. All the water- 

 courses can easily be defined miles away b}^ this beautiful tree. 

 The timber of this species and of some other western Eucalypts 

 is of great economic value, being used for a variety of purposes 

 where strength and durability are required. The principal 

 Eucalypti forming the Mallee scrub are E. gracilis, F.v.M., E. 

 uncinata, Turcz., E. dumosa, A. Cunn., E. incrassata, Labill., and 

 E. oleosa, F.v.M,, and to a less extent E. panicidata, Sni. From 

 the thick roots of a few of these species (when cut into short 

 lengths and placed in a vertical position) moderate quantities of 

 fair drinking water can be obtained in the driest of seasons. 

 The most graceful species of Eucalyptus in the interior is E. 

 pendula, A. Cunn. It has a drooping habit, with rather long, 

 narrow leaves and sometimes crimson-coloured flowers. The 

 inflorescence of E. heJtriana, F.v.M., is often of the same colour, 

 whilst that of E. leucoxylon, F.v.M., is frequently red. When in 

 bloom these Eucalypti often make an effective display, forming a 

 pleasing contrast to tliose species which produce white or cream- 

 coloured flowers. U mhelliferce are represented by six genera and 

 thirteen species, which are fairly well distributed. Two species 

 of Trachymene — T. australis, Benth., and T, incisa, Rudge, 



