37 



Earl\ It belongs to the smooth-barked group of gum-trees, and yet as 

 compared with the silky smoothness of the White Gum (hremastoma) , or of 

 the lUne (him (saligna), its bark is raspy to the touch. As a whole, its 

 trunk may be said to have a dirty appearance, often inclining to a yellowish 

 or brownish cast. Large pieces of thin, dark-coloured outer bark give it a 

 blotched appearance. I have already alluded to this in speaking of 

 " Vernacular names." 



Timber. It is so much like Ironbark in appearance that it is difficult to 

 discriminate between the two timbers. That will be the best guide to its 

 appearance. An expert would usually detect the substitution for Ironbark 

 (if he suspected any substitution), by noting that a chip of Grey Gum is 

 more brittle than that of Ironbark; it also cuts less horny. Nevertheless, 

 the two timbers are wonderfully alike, and for many purposes Grey Gum 

 is an efficient substitute for Ironbark, for it is remarkably durable. Its 

 inferior strength, as compared with Ironbark, precludes its use as girders 

 of any length, and when substituted for Ironbark in sleepers the bolts and 

 spikes work lose in them. I would encourage its use in every possible way 

 for wood-blocks. The chief objectors to its use at the present time are the 

 saw-millers themselves, as the logs often contain gum-scabs or gum-veins. 

 At present, where unblemished timber is insisted upon for wood-blocks, a 

 saw-miller cannot afford to cut up Grey Gum (although it frequently turns 

 out unblemished), because of the risk of having it condemned. I will speak 

 on 'this subject in connection with Bloodwood, and would emphasise the 

 opinion that wood-blocks should not be condemned because they contain a 

 few gum-scabs or veins. Such excess of care practically leads to great 

 waste of really valuable timber. It is recommended for paving-blocks, as 

 already slated. It is in high repute for posts, having excellent records when 

 employed in this very trying situation. I have seen it used for felloes and 

 for shingles. It is very largely used as an Ironbark substitute for railway 

 sleepers, &c., which fact is in itself testimony to its excellence. 



Size. A tree of large size, although not of the largest. Its height may 

 lie given as, say, 60 'to 80 feet, with a diameter of 2 or 3 feet. 



IT alrit at. It appears to be confined to New South Wales. It is found in 

 the coast districts and main dividing range and spurs. Conjola, near 

 Milton, appears to be the most southerly locality recorded. In the north it 

 lias been collected as far as Lismore. In the west it occours near the 

 Jenolan Caves, at Capertee, and Rylstone. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE 37. 



A. Juvenile leaf. 



r,. Flower-bearing twig. 



c. Fruits. 



D. Fruits of variety f/randi flora, Deane and Maiden. 



Eucalyptus longifolia, Link. 

 THE WOOLLY BUTT. 



Botanical Name. Longifolia, of course means long-leaved, and the leave* 

 of this tree are frequently very long, especially as Rev. Dr. Woolls has 

 pointed out, when young and growing near water. But they have not the 

 longest leaves, by any means. For example, those of E. globulus and B^ 

 goniocalyx may be much longer. 



