Current Literature. 93 



Utilisation of California Eucalypts. By H. S. Betts and C. S. 

 Smith, Circular 179, U. S. Forest Service. Washington, D. C. 

 1 910. Pp. 30. 



Much attention has recently been devoted to the exploitation of 

 eucalyptus plantations in California. Many companies have been 

 organized, some of whom in their over-zeal have exaggerated the 

 profits of eucalypt culture, in many instances misquoting or mis- 

 construing statements of the Forest Service. To supply definite 

 information on the various elements of uncertainty in the business 

 the Forest Service is conducting investigations, and this circular 

 presents in brief form the results of mechanical tests of the wood 

 which have been recently carried out in cooperation with the 

 University of California. 



The eucalyptus is native to Australia and was introduced into 

 California in 1856. Of some 75 species now being grown, only 

 five give indications of being well adapted to the conditions. 

 Fully 90 per cent, of the eucalyptus in California at the present 

 time is blue gum {Eucalyptus globulus). 



The fibers of eucalyptus wood are much interlaced, making it 

 tough, very difficult to split and refractory in seasoning. The 

 number of mechanical tests made are too few to warrant final 

 conclusions, but they indicate plainly that several species of 

 eucalyptus are equal to the better grades of hickory in bending 

 and crushing strength. The experiments have not yet been 

 carried far enough to warrant a comparison of eucalyptus and 

 hickory as to toughness and resilience. 



Owing to the great tendency of the wood to warp, shrink and 

 check in seasoning, the problem of ready utilization without 

 undue waste is a difficult one. No satisfactory or commercially 

 practicable method of seasoning lumber from the California 

 grown eucalypts has been devised. The most satisfactory results 

 so far were obtained from open piling under cover with uniform 

 and close sticking, together with high piling to produce weight. 

 Three years are required for the lumber to thoroughly air season. 

 The greatest difficulties in seasoning are encountered in immature, 

 rapid-grown timber, just the class of material which in all 

 probability will be most widely utilized in California for lumber. 



Although definite information is lacking, the indications are 

 that "some species of eucalypts grown in California may prove 



