EUCALYPTUS TREES. 93 
merciless sacrifice of the native forests has already so 
sadly brought about—a sacrifice arising from an utter 
absence of all thoughts for the future. Ever since an- 
tiquity this work of forest destruction has gone on in 
every country, until, sooner or later, such reckless 
improvidence has been overtaken by a resentful Ne- 
mesis, in hindering the progress of national prosper- 
ity, and the comfort of whole communities. 
After lengthened periods of toil there partially arose, 
but partially only, what an early guardianship might 
have readily retained for most countries. When I 
largely shared in the labors of establishing, for Aus- 
tralian trees, a reputation abroad, I certainly did, also, 
entertain a hope to awaken here, likewise, a univer- 
sal interest in the dissemination of an almost endless 
number of trees from the colder and subtropic girdles 
of the whole globe. (Vide Phil. Inst., 1858, pp. 93 to 
109.) A few scattered trees are of no national mo- 
ment. We want the massive upgrowth of the Pitch- 
pines, just as on the Pine barrens of the United States; 
we want whole forests of the Deal Pines, both cis and 
transatlantic ; we want over all-our mountains the 
Silver Fir, already the charm of the ancients; we 
want the Australian Red Cedar, scarcely any longer 
existing in its native haunts; we want the Yarrah- 
tree, forest-like, as in West Australia; we want the 
various elastic Ash-trees, which are so easily raised ; 
we want, indeed, no end of other trees, because the 
greater part of Victoria is ill- wooded ; because our 
climate is hot and dry ; because extensive coal layers 
we have not yet found. What practical bearing can 
all the teaching in this hall, all the display in this mu- 
seum, really exercise, if, finally, the artisan finds him- 
