76 AUSTRALIAN GRASSES AND PASTURE PLANTS 



Leopard or Spotted Tree. In the opinion of many ex- 

 perienced stockowners the Leopard or Spotted Tree (Flindersia 

 maculosa) stands next in value to the Kurrajong as a fodder 

 tree. It grows from thirty to forty-five feet high or more, 

 and its trunk is curiously spotted, hence its popular names. 

 From its trunk and larger branches exude large quantities 

 of amber-coloured gum of a pleasant flavour, but, as far as I 

 am aware, it is not put to any economic use. In the eastern 

 portion of the continent the Leopard Tree is found growing 

 over immense tracts of country, but although fairly plentiful 

 in some remote localities, it is not as abundant in others as 

 formerly ; indeed it is becoming scarce in many of the closer 

 settled districts. Its smaller branchlets have a somewhat 

 pendulous habit, which gives a well-grown specimen a de- 

 cidedly ornamental appearance. During very dry periods 

 this tree is cut down for stock feed, sheep being particularly 

 fond of the leaves and thriving on them. Those animals 

 indeed are so partial to the fodder that they often devour the 

 smaller twigs, which, when eaten in excessive quantities, 

 sometimes cause fibre balls to form in their stomachs, and 

 result in serious trouble. The chemical analysis of the par- 

 tially dried Leopard Tree leaves, by the authority above 

 quoted gave the following results : 



Water .. .. .. 41.70 



Ash .. .. .. 3.42 



Fibre .. .. .. 11.43 



Albuminoids . . . . . . 9.31 



Carbohydrates .. .. 30.22 



Nutrient value, 48|; albuminoid ratio, 1:4J. 



Fresh leaves would show a higher percentage of water, 

 and, of course, would be more succulent feed. The Leopard 



