TASMANIAN TIMBERS. 45 



The timber varies very considerably, according to the 

 situation and soil in which the tree grows. In appearance 

 it is freer than Blue Gum, but lacks the purplish tint, and 

 is more subject to gum-veins. It is the most general 

 timber for all sorts ol constructive works in this State. It 

 makes excellent piles, especially for fresh water, but is not 

 considered quite so good as Blue Gum for salt water, being 

 more subject to the attacks of the Teredo. 



It is also used for shipbuilding, the construction of 

 wharves and bridges, and for railway sleepers; for the 

 dado, flooring, and fitting of houses, and for furniture; it 

 is also an excellent wheelwright's wood. When polished ft 

 very much resembles Oak, but has a more sparkling grain ; 

 it has a very pretty effect when used for a ballroom floor, or 

 for wain&cotting. 



Besides being sawn for almost every purpose. Stringy 

 Bark is split into fencet-rails, palings, and shingles. It is 

 certain that if this wood and the Blue Gum, properly pre- 

 pared, were exported to London, a ready sale would be 

 found for it for the construction of carts and vans. It 

 would very well take the place of English Oak and Ash 

 used for this purpose, which are every year becoming 

 scarcer. 



In the Tasmanian International Exhibition before-men- 

 tioned a Stringy Bark sleeper was shown by the Government 

 that had been twenty-five years under traffic. The usual 

 life of this timber in bridges is from twenty to twenty-five 

 years; sleepers average about fourteen years, and none of 

 the Government Railway buildings — some of which were 

 built twenty-seven years ago, chiefly of this timber — have 

 yet been renewed. 



Wood Pavement. 



The Stringy Bark of Tasmania is especially suited for 

 wood-paving. It is preferable to Jarrah, being quite as 

 durable, gives a better surface, and is also lighter in weight. 

 If properly laid on a good foundation Stringy Bark blocks 



