TIMBERS. 609 
is not likely to be attacked by white ants. It dresses well, and 
some specimens show, when polished, a very pretty grain. All 
species of Tristania timber are difficult to season, planks and slabs 
of the wood crack, warp, twist, and shell in the most extraordinary 
manner, unless the greatest care be exercised both in the time of 
cutting of the timber and the seasoning. Three slabs in the 
Technological Museum, which have been seasoned over twenty- 
five years (having been exhibited at the London International 
Exhibition of 1862), have weights which correspond to sglb. 20z., 
6r1lb. 40z., and 64lb. 1oz. per cubic foot. Diameter, 1 to 3ft.; 
height, 80 to 120ft. i 
New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Australia. 
602. Tristania exiliflora, 7.v.J7., N.O., Myrtacez, B.FI., iii., 264. 
Wood of a dark colour, close in the grain, very tough and 
elastic ; useful for tool handles. 
Queensland. 
603. Tristania laurina, &.2r., (Syn. Melaleuca laurina, Smith) ; 
IN.O:, Myrtacez, B.F1., iii., 264. 
Called ‘“ Bastard Box” in Northern New South Wales. “Swamp 
Mahogany” in the counties of Cumberland and Camden (New South 
Wales). Other names are ‘‘ Water Gum ” and ‘‘ Beech.” 
Timber dark in colour, hard, tough, and close-grained, used 
for tool handles, cogs of wheels, etc. It is generally sound to the 
centre. It is very difficult to season, but when dry it is of singular 
closeness and toughness. (Sir W. Macarthur.) It is apparently 
well adapted for all machinery purposes. (furors’ Reports, 
London International Exhibition, 1862.) Diameter, 12 to 24in.; 
height, 50 to 6oft. 
Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. 
604. Tristania macrosperma, /.v.J/., N.O., Myrtaceze. (Motes on 
Papuan Plants, p. 104, Mueller.) 
Wood of a straw colour, close-grained, very hard, and tough, 
stands well in drying, and will likely prove valuable for building 
purposes. (Bailey.) 
Thursday Island (Torres Straits). 
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