210 BOTANY OF THE INTERIOR OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 



the same as that west of the range, which tends to show that 

 the geological formation is an important factor in the distribution 

 of species. Near here the Great Dividing Range, with its cold 

 heights, has not formed the usual barrier between the eastern 

 and western floras, for the Liverpool Range is lower than, for 

 instance, the New England Range, the Blue Mountains, or the 

 Monaro Range, the highest point on the railway line being only 

 a little over 2000 feet, as against 3000 and 4000 feet on the 

 other ranges. Therefore climatic conditions have probably also 

 assisted in the spread of these species. 



Growing close to the bank of the Lachlan, near Euabalong, is 

 ■a tree with rough bark and long narrow leaves, and often known 

 as River Cooba to distinguish it from A. t^aliciua, with which it 

 is seen to have aftinities. It is A. stenophylla, and follows the 

 banks of the Lachlan for many miles, hanging ov^er the w^ater 

 among the Red Gums. 



E. mdliodora, A. Cunn., Yellow Box, is now seen for the first 

 time. Out in the west this tree is generally found near the 

 rivers, though in the Bathurst and Orange districts it is also 

 growing on the hills; and even north-west of Parkes it extends 

 on to the hills south of the Bogan, though it is not so plentiful. 

 Along the river flats it is a handsome shade-tree with a pendulous 

 habit, and after being lopped often grows with increased beauty. 

 Evidence of this may be seen near Cootamundra, where for years 

 the leaves of this species have been used for the production of 

 a well known brand of eucalyptus oil. The bark of this tree is 

 sometimes smooth and white, while in other cases the trunk is 

 covered with a brown flaky bark, and often in old trees it is quite 

 rough near the butt. I have looked for some botanical difference 

 between the rough- and the smooth-barked forms, but have failed 

 to find any. Nor does this feature seem to be regulated by 

 <jlimatic conditions, as both kinds are found on the banks of the 

 Lachlan in a warm climate, and again on the cold hills around 

 Orange. 



E. melliodora gives a good timber, especially for posts, and 

 where strength is required ; but being heavy and somewhat 



