BY J. H. MAIDEX. 477 



(J. L. Boormaii); top of mountain east of Burragorang (R. H. 

 Cambage); Peuang Mountain (A. Murphy). 



Affinities. — The closest affinity of this species is to E. Sieberiana 

 and F. piperita; in fact, it is possible that it is a hybrid betAveen 

 these two species. The bark is fibrous like that of B. 2nperita, 

 and the general appearance of the tree reminds one of that species. 

 The leaves, buds and fruits are reminiscent of F. Sieberiana, 

 though the leaves are perhaps thinner. The narrow juvenile 

 foliage leaves, however, separate the new species from any with 

 which it is most likely to be confounded. 



That the species possesses strong afhnity to E. stricta, Sieb., 

 there is no doubt; while its affinity to E. fastigata, Deane and 

 Maiden, is considerable, in points other than that of the shape of 

 the fruits. It \vas referred to in these Proceedings by Mr. Deane 

 and myself (1900, p. 109) as E. stricta var.; and (1901, p. 123) as 

 a form of E. fastigata. 



The species can be most conveniently distinguished by its 

 pyriform fruits and "peppermint" bark; the narrow sucker-leaves 

 are also characteristic. Mr. R. H. Cambage, who has promi- 

 nently brought this tree under my notice, gives the local names 

 as "Peppermint" or "White Mahogany;" Mr. Boorman as 

 *' Messmate." 



I name this species in honour of First-Assistant Surgeon D. 

 Considen, one of the founders of Australia. In reviewing the 

 "Historical Records of New South Wales" (Vol. i., Part 2) in 

 the 'Sydney Morning Herald' of 23rd July, 1892, I drew atten- 

 tion to the fact that Considen's letter, dated 18th Nov., 1788, to 

 Sir Joseph Banks, is perhaps the most interesting one in the 

 collection to the student of economic botany. From the following 

 passage it would appear that Considen was the founder of the 

 Eucalyptus oil industry. "We have a large peppermint tree 

 which is equal, if ,not superior, to our English peppermint. I 

 have sent you a specimen of it. If there is any merit in applying 

 these and many other simples to the benefit of the poor wretches 

 here, I certainly claim it, being the first who discovered and 

 recommended them." At this time a bottle of Eucalyptus oil 



