197 



NOTES ON THK BOTANY OF THE INTERIOR OF 

 NEW SOUTH WALES. 



By R. H. Cambage, L.S. 



Part III. 



(P]ate xii.) 



The following notes refer to the country extending from Mudall 

 Station, on the Bogan River, to Euabalong, on the Lachlan : — 



Soon after leaving the river some of the West Bogan scrub 

 clearing is noticed, and it is found that most of the White or 

 Cypress Pine, Callitrifi robusta, has been destroyed by ring- 

 barking. It seems very doubtful whether this is a wise action, 

 as there is apparently no timber left to adequately take its place. 

 The result of several 3^ears of enquiry has led me to believe that 

 if a vote were taken throughout the western district as to which 

 is the most all round useful timber there, the verdict would be 

 in favour of Cypress Pine; though at the same time there are 

 settlers who destroy it for fear of scrubs being formed by the 

 seedlings. Unfortunately it covers large tracts of country between 

 the Bogan and the Lachlan, much to the injury of the sheep- 

 breeder, for not only does it prevent the growth of grasses, but 

 affords shelter for vermin. Still it does not by any means become 

 a nuisance everywhere it grows, and it is questionable whether 

 in some instances it would not be better to give up certain areas 

 solely to the Pine for the sake of the timber, as these areas are 

 often almost useless for sheep. There is one quality which this tree 

 has to commend it, and that is, it does not throw out suckers no 

 matter at what stage it is cut down or ring-barked, so that it is only 

 in respect of quantity from seedlings that it is considered a nuisance. 

 It extends over a very large area, preferring the dry soil and 

 avoiding the damp river flats. It comes eastward till it reaches 

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