47 



was shown from the hull of the steamer "William the Fourth,'' and properly 

 certified. With the exception of some slight charring on the inert! surface of 

 the timber in the Immediate vicinity of the boilers, the entire fabric of this 

 vessel is as substantial and sound as when she was built in the year 1830 

 (thirty-one years' wear). If the above statements as to the life of Spotted 

 (him be examined (and reference to the evidence will show that other in- 

 stances of long life of the timber can be quoted), no doubt can remain that, 

 under the circumstances alluded to, Spotted Gum is a very durable timber; in 

 fact, that it is one of the most durable of our timbers for the purposes stated. 



2. Strength. Toughness, and Elasticity, 



We have already dealt with this in speaking of the fitness of Spotted Gum 

 for eoacbbnilders' purposes. &c. 



.'}. Capacity for Bending. 



This is readily admitted, and advantage is taken of this property, whi^h 

 Spotted Gum possesses in a high degree, by the coachbuilder. 



4. Lightness. 



This is also a great advantage for light vehicles. Throughout the western 

 district the. coacbbuilders purchase, at great expense, for cartage and railway 

 freight. Spotted Gum for buggy and waggon building, no other available 

 timber having the same elasticity and toughness. 



~>. Easy Working. 



It gives a clean face, takes paint readily, and when at all seasoned before 

 putting in work does not warp or twist, particularly in buggy shafts anl 

 poles. 



6. Evenness of Quality. 



This is an important question, all timber showing large gum- veins (or dis- 

 coloured in appearance), or carrying any sap whatever, should be rejected. 

 Timber must be cut from fully-matured trees, absolutely free from heart or 

 heart-shakes and sap. Shipments should be uniform in colour, from one di.s- 

 tricl; if possible, and as free from veins as possible. For home railway waggon 

 sizes, it should be specially selected. We feel confident if this is done it 

 at once command the attention of English engineers. 



7. Large Sizes readily obtainable. 



This is borne out by the heights and girths given by various correspondents 

 in reply to question 19. 



8. Comparative freedom from pipe. 



This is more particularly applicable to southern Spotted Gum. and we do 

 not know that it (-411 be altogether considered to be an advantage. Freedom 

 from pipe means presence of heart, inferior timber in regard to which speck.*- 

 care is. or should be, taken to remove. 



We do not recommend it for square girders, as it shells in square 

 under sun exposure. 



(l>) Dixiitiruntdiic* (<ix xftitcti it if rarioiix correspondents). 



1. Liability to warp and twist. 



2. Inclination to split. 



3. Liability to attack by white ants. 



4. Great thickness of worthless sapwood. 



5. Presence of gum-veins. 



1. Liability to Warp and Twist (irregular shrinking). 



If the timber is cut when the sap is down, and allowed to season without 

 exposure to the sun, it shrinks evenly, but if exposed to sun. and cut. full of 

 sap iu small sizes, free of heart it twists from the heart out, that is to say, 

 it curves, with the heart side on the circumference. 



Opinions are nearly equally divided, but the balance of opinion is in favour 

 Of Spotted Gum not shrinking more than colonial hardwoods usually do. 



