EUCALYPTUS. 



(Eucalyptus.} 



These trees, locally known as Stringy-barks, Ironbarks, Ma- 

 hoganies, Box and Gum Trees, are natives of Australia and the 

 neighboring islands. Some species now grow on parts of each 

 one of the continents, where they have often influenced condi- 

 tions to a remarkable degree.* Most Eucalypts withdraw large 

 quantities of water from the soil, but their upper portions re- 

 quire much warm, dry air and sunshine. Eucalyptus trees have 

 not succeeded in the United States outside of California, Ari- 

 zona, New Mexico, Texas and Florida, and their success, in the 

 last three districts has not been remarkable. The Eucalypts have 

 quite changed the appearance of many districts in California.! 

 The Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus} is the species commonly 

 referred to when the Eucalyptus is mentioned in North America, 

 although other species have been successfully acclimated. 



The Euclypts are noted for great size, rapid growth, tough, 

 durable woods, and effect upon health. 



Size is illustrated by the species Eucalyptus amygdalina, individuals of which 

 have reached a height of over four hundred feet and are thus, probably, the tallest 

 although not the largest trees known to man. Development is shown by speci- 

 mens of Eucalyptus globulus that have lengthened in excess of two feet a month 

 during the first year.J The working qualities of Jarrah, Karri, Tuart and Red 

 Gum Woods (E. marginata, E. diversicolor, E. gomphocephala, and E. rostrata) 

 are such as to have caused them to take high rank in local constructions. The 

 first two have been preferred beyond all other materials for paving the streets of 

 London and of Paris. Improvement in health has followed the introduction of 

 Blue Gums(jE. globulus) in malarial districts, such as those around Rome. Such 

 results while possibly influenced by the presence of medicinal substances in the 

 foliage are principally due to the fact that the leaves evaporate unusual quantities 

 of water from the soil. 



* " Will sensibly affect the aspect of the country just as they have affected 

 that of the Riviera, of the Campagnia, and of the Nilghiri hills in South India." 

 Bryce, Impressions of South Africa. 



t The Florida climate is favorable most but not all of the time. That of 

 Southern California and parts of Arizona is so equable that McClatchie details 

 forty-one distinct species already growing. This district must be regarded as the 

 only real American locality at this time. 



J A Passadena blue gum was five feet thick at the end of twenty-five years. 

 Others in Santa Barbara at the same age compared with oaks known to be two 

 hundred or three hundred years old. A specimen three years from the seed meas- 

 ured about nine inches in diameter. McClatchie. 



The writer has seen long rows of California blue gums cut down because they 

 44 dried the soil." 



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