20 N.S.W. TECHNICAL EDUCATION. 



becoming scarce in the frequented parts of Mount Wellington. The flowers 

 are arranged in a gracefully clustered head, and each separate flower consists 

 of a curved style, which, before the flower is ripe, is inserted into a cap 

 formed by the })eriapth; but on ripening the jierinnth splits, exposing the 

 stamens and setting the style free. The vivid scarlet colouring of these 

 flowers, shining out amongst the sombre blue-greens of the gum forests, is 

 certainly one of the most beautiful sights that the Tasmanian bush aflords. 

 Although scarce in the frequented parts, the Waratah grows in the most 

 splendid profusion at the source of the North-west Bay River across the top 

 of the mountain ; owing to the exposed situation, it here takes on the growth 

 of a low bush, but with a mass of bloom that is really marvellous." 



Although so highly appreciated by this author in particular, and the Tas- 

 manian in general for decoration, as stated by him, yet it would appear, as far as 

 I have been able to ascertain, that no attempt has been made to introduce it into 

 Applied Art in that beautiful island. Perhaps this might be used as an argument 

 in favour of the advancement of technical education there in at least one direc- 

 tion, for it seems a pity that so fine a sj^ecimen of our wonderful flora should 

 waste " its sweetness in the desert air " of local application in Decorative Art. 



ADAPTABILITY TO DECORATION. 



In no way does this Waratah fall short in this direction from its Victorian 

 congener. It has at least found its way into literature {vide Appendix.) 



TIMBER. 



This is a rather smaller tree than the Victorian Waratah, and has a darker 

 heartwood, but in other respects it has the facies of that timber, and could be 

 utilised for similar work, although, of course, on a smaller scale. (Figure VI.) 



"^ 



