FODDER TREES 73 



Since that time this tree has been extensively planted in 

 various districts. The Kurrajong is an exceedingly orna- 

 mental evergreen tree occurring in the eastern portion of the 

 continent from the vicinity of the coast to far inland. On 

 the eastern slopes of the dividing range it attains sometimes 

 the height of sixty feet or more, but on the low ranges and 

 sandhills in the interior it rarely exceeds thirty feet. This 

 tree often grows in groups, and when viewed from a distance 

 gives one at first sight the impression of a well-cultivated 

 orchard. The Kurrajong is not affected by drought, nor is its 

 growth seriously checked by the hot winds experienced in 

 summer. Its shining green leaves, which are from two to six 

 inches long, and arranged on long stalks, are very variable in 

 shape, and both entire and deeply-lobed ones may be obtained 

 from the same tree hence its specific name diversifolia. 

 Cattle and sheep are very fond of Kurrajong leaves, which are 

 largely fed to them when pasture herbage is scarce. As a 

 rule when the foliage of this tree is fed to stock the smaller 

 branches only are cut off by thoughtful men, while the trunk 

 and larger limbs are left intact, and from these there soon 

 develops a fresh supply of twigs and leaves, which afford 

 quantities of fodder for future requirements. The following 

 chemical analysis of the partially dried Kurrajong leaves, by 

 Mr. F. B. Guthrie, show them to be of good feeding value : 

 Water .. .. .. 35.61 



Ash .. .. .. 4.99 



Fibre .. .. .. 14.54 



Albuminoids . . . . . . 10.35 



Carbohydrates . . . . 32.81 



Nutrient value, 46 ; albuminoid ratio, 1:3. 



Fresh leaves would show a higher percentage of water, 

 and, of course, would be more succulent feed. The fruit of the 

 Kurrajong is nearly ovoid, from one and a-half to three inches 



