135 



The Cedar Group. 



1. Cfi/rela aust rails (Red Cedar). 



"2. Diixociilum (Dysoxylon) Fraseranum (Rosewood). 



3. Dysoxylum (Dysoxylon) Mu-elleri (Red Bean). 



4. Owenia cepiodora (Onion Wood). 



5. Mclia Azedaracli (White Cedar). 



Cedreda austral is, E.v.M. 

 THE RED CEDAR. 



Botanical Name. Cedrela, derived from Cedrus, the Cedar-tree of the 

 ancients, whose timber was durable and had a very sweet smell; australis, 

 Latin, southern (Australian). 



Vernacular Name. Universally known in Australia as "Red Cedar," the 

 prefix being- doubtless employed to distinguish it from " White Cedar " 

 (Mcfia azedarach). 



Synonym. Benthani looks upon our Red Cedar as identical with (.'. 

 Toona, Roxb., the Toon of India. It should be observed, however, that Baron 

 Mueller differs from Bentham in considering the Australian ''Cedar'" 

 >l'f(. > ifically distinct from the " Toor." In any ease the trees are so closely 

 related that any property possessed by one is shared by the other. Casimir 

 de Candolle agrees with Mueller in keeping our Red Cedar distinct from 

 liie Indian tree. 



Fruit. The fruit is an oval capsule, about 1 inch long, which soon opens 

 and sheds its light, membranous seeds. Mr. Gamble says that those of the 

 Indian tree run about 1,200 to the ounce. These seeds have always a remu- 

 nerative value, but care should be taken to collect fully-ripe seeds from 

 healthy, mature trees. The seeds should be kept dry, and preserved from 

 insect pests, to which they are very liable. The collection of seeds of useful 

 and ornamental Australian plants is one of those minor industries which 

 ure usually neglected, and I will always assist collectors in making them 

 true to name. 



Baric. The outer bark is scaly, and in drying falls off, leaving an almost 

 smooth surface of reddish-brown colour. It is moderately fibrous, and will 

 tear into layers if some force be used. 



Timber. But the value of a Red Cedar lies in its timber, for it is without 

 doubt the most valuable timber produced in New South Wales, and it is in 

 universal use. It is equal to mahogany, to which it bears a good deal of 



