BY J. H. MAIDEN. 473 



Mature leaves broadly lanceolate, sometimes falcate, but ap- 

 parently usually symmetrical. Dull on both sides and even 

 glaucous,* but ultimately glabrous and even shining; equally 

 green on both sides, venation spreading from the base. Usually 

 under 6 inches long and about 1 inch wide. Of a distinct pepper- 

 mint odour. 



Buds clavate, the operculum sometimes slightly umbonate. 

 A free flowerer, the anthers reniform. 



Fruits nearly hemispherical, about \ inch in diameter; with a 

 flat thick rim, tips of the valves flush with the mouth; peduncle 

 thin; angular, J-J inch long, pedicels about 1 inch in length. 

 Fruits abundantly produced, usually six to nine in the head. 

 The fruits remind one of those of E. hcemastoma var. micrantha. 



Barh. — Has "peppermint" bark on the trunk and large 

 branches; only the ultimate branches smooth. Twigs red (claret- 

 coloured), often glaucous, usually round, apparently rarely 

 angular. 



Timher pale-coloured, comparatively light in weight, and very 

 fissile, containing a few kino veins. So similar in appearance to 

 that of E. jnperita, Sm., that I am at present unable to indicate 

 any difference. "Split for palings " (R. H. Cambage). " Timber 

 seemingly preferred to all others for fencing, building, etc." (J. 

 L. Boorman). [In this connection it may be pointed out that 

 the value of a timber is comparative; the best timber of a district 

 may be inferior to that of another district.] 



Known locally as " Blackbutt," less frequently as " Pepper- 

 mint " and " Messmate." It is the " Blackbutt " of Mr. W. 

 Christie's paper,* and his "Specimen No. 11 " (p. 35) has been 

 preserved. Known all over New England as "Blackbutt." At 

 Oban it is called " Bastard Stringybark," and at Emmaville 

 " Messmate" (E. C, Andrews). 



* Glaucousness often varies a good deal with the season of the year; e.g., 

 specimens received by me in October last were entirely dull or glaucous,, 

 others received in June of the present year are slightly shining. 



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