The Eucalypts of Gippsland, by A. W. Howitt, F.G.S., F.L.S. 



Introduction. 



So mucli has already been done by Baron von Mueller towards bringing into 

 order the numerous varieties of the recorded Eucalypts, that it only remains to work 

 out their local distributions, as well as the effects produced by soil and climate. This 

 attempt I have now made as regards the Gippsland Eucalypts. 



The difficulties which have met me in this enquiry have been greater than I at 

 first anticipated, as it has necessitated a series of investigations, spread over a 

 number of years, and covering the greater part of Gippsland. Even now, after 

 examining the whole of the district more or less carefully, I find that in order to 

 complete my work with even a fair degree of accuracy, it would be necessary to again 

 visit certain localities, my earlier observations of which are wanting in that minute 

 examination which later investigations have shown to be absolutely necessary. I am 

 unable to revisit the localities referred to, and have therefore confined my remarks 

 more especially to Central and West Gippsland, touching the North-eastern part very 

 lightly, and scarcely referring to East Gippsland at all. 



I regret that this should have been unavoidable, for it is in the country between 

 the Snowy River and Cape Howe, and south of the coast range, that one would most 

 probably find that the New South Wales species meet and mingle with those most 

 general in Gippsland. 



It is my pleasing duty to thank Baron von Mueller most heartily for the unending 

 kindness with which he has, throughout the course of my enquiries, responded to 

 my constant requests for information, for the readiness with which he has 

 examined and named the collections which I forwarded to him, and thus resolved 

 difficulties which I met with, and for most kindly making available to me the 

 specimens in his museum. I am much indebted for the kindness with which Mr. 

 Luehmann has given me his valuable aid in comparing my samples with those of the 

 departmental herbarium, with which he is so fully acquainted. 



To Dr. Wools I am under great obligations for valuable information as to New 

 South Wales species, and for samples of the same. 



