River Oak. 



(Casuarina Cunninghamii, Miq.) 



Amongst Australian "She" Oaks this species ranks as the largest, for some fine noble 

 specimens are to be found on the banks of fresh-water streams included in its range. The 

 timber rarely reaches the Sydney markets, as the trees are scarcely ever cut down, being 

 regarded, perhaps, as a necessary adjunct to the riverscape. The wood takes a good polish, 

 although hard, having a close texture. The heartwood is pale chocolate in colour, and the outer 

 portion almost white. The figure is well brought out on the quarter, and looks elegant in 

 panelling, drapery poles, rods, &c., and it should make up well in heavy furniture, and in carving, 

 although of course it is hard but so is English Oak, which is perhaps more carved than any 

 other timber. It is very strong and durable, and for this reason it is utilised for bullock yokes 

 in some places, but care is required in seasoning. The two distinctive colours would give it a 

 unique appearance in turnery, such as serviette rings, cornice pole rings, &c. 



Description of the Tree. One of, if not the largest tree of the genus, occurring 

 on the banks of fresh-water streams or rivers. The timber is the palest of all the 

 Casuarinas. The branchlets are slender and wiry, with usually seven teeth in the whorl. 

 Fruiting cones are small, scarcely exceeding $ inch in diameter. 



Geographical Range. Coastal ranges and districts, and central New South Wales 

 and Queensland. 



148 



