TIMBERS. : 549 
377- Geijera salicifolia, #.v.4Z,, (Syn. G. latifolia, Lindl.) ; N.O., 
Rutacez, B.FI., i., 364. 
“Balsam of Copaiba Tree” (the name given on account of the taste of 
the bark). ‘‘ Wilga” is a common name. Called ‘‘ Koko” by some 
Queensland aboriginals. . 
Wood close, tough, firm, light brown in colour, and nicely 
marked. It may be found useful for wood-engraving. It has no 
dark heart-wood. It polishes fairly well, but it is apt to split, and 
is somewhat difficult to dress down to an absolutely even surface. 
It is rather heavy. 
Mr. G. S. Home informs me that in the Lachlan district this 
timber is not considered to have any economic value, but it is a 
handsome tree, with long leaves and pendent branches. It is said 
to be the only tree in the district that ants will not climb, conse- 
quently a workman, where possible, always leaves his swag on its 
branches, and it remains free from their attacks. A slab of this 
wood in the Technological Museum, which has been seasoned 
over twenty-five years (having been exhibited at the London Inter- 
national Exhibition of 1862), has a weight which corresponds to 
59lb. 50z. per cubic foot. Diameter, 10 to 15in.; height, 30 to 
4oft. 
New South Wales and Queensland. 
378. Gmelina Leichhardtii, 7.v.dZ, (Syn. Vitex Leichhardtit, 
F.v.M.; and (?) Zectona australis, Hill); N.O., Verbenacez, 
B.FL., v., 66. 
“Beech,” or “ White Beech.” ‘“Binburra’’ of the aboriginals of 
Northern New South Wales; “ Cullonen” of those of Queensland. 
A very useful timber, strong, durable, and easily worked ; 
it does not expand in damp, or contract in dry weather, if 
moderately seasoned, hence it is much prized for the decks of 
vessels and the flooring of verandahs. It is light coloured, and 
is useful for turning. ‘It is now cultivated in Queensland for 
commercial purposes.’’ (Mueller.) It is close-grained, and not 
easily attacked by white ants. 
Speaking of this wood, Mr. W. Bauerlen writes to me: ‘I 
have just seen a staircase, and eleven months ago the tree from 
which the wood was taken was growing in a forest. It was cut 
