48 TASMANIAN TIMBERS. 



bark, and Manna Gum from a peculiar exudation from the 

 leaves and bark somewhat resembling the icing of a wedding- 

 cake, and caused by the punctures of insects. This tree 

 grows to a very large diameter, eight to twelve feet ; the 

 timber is reddish when green, and from a pale straw to ivory 

 colour when seasoned. When dry it is brittle, and does not 

 last in the weather, and so has the name of being useless; 

 it is, however, a very useful hardwood for internal fittings. 

 It can be got in wide planks, and when properly cut and 

 seasoned will stand very w^ell. When used for wardrobes^ 

 and polished, it has much the appearance of Ash. 



IRON BARK {Eucalyptus sieberiana). 



This is a tree that is locally distributed in the higher land 

 of the north-east, and produces a very fair timber. The 

 trees grow from a hundred to a hundred and thirty feet high 

 and from two to four feet in diameter, but are not within 

 reach of a shipping port. The timber is used for general 

 construction works, piles, post and rail fences, builders" 

 scantlings, &c. 



CIDER GUM {Eucalyptus gunnii). 

 Named from its sweet sap; is rather a branching tree, 

 from which long planks cannot be obtained. It will stand 

 a considerably colder climate than the other Gums, and the 

 seeds are sometimes inquired for from abroad for sow^ing in 

 districts subject to frosts. 



WEEPING GUM {Eucalyptus coriacea). 



This is a mountain species, and does not grow to a great 

 size. The timber is somewhat similar to the viminalis or 

 White Gum. 



The last three varieties have been mentioned more with 

 a view of completing the list of trees that will produce 

 timber than for any use they may be commercially. There 

 are some three or four other species that do not grow beyond 

 the size of a bush ; but, besides producing essential oils, 

 these are only of interest botanically. 



