158 



at London auction sales is shown by figures, readily accessible, while its cost 

 in Sydney is very much enhanced; and yet we actually import from Algeria, 

 i- in London, at this high price, what is common enough in parts of New 

 South Wales, and to be had for the gathering. 



The collection of Australian Sandarac is one of those minor industries 

 which could be readily undertaken by a family of children. As the resiu 

 flows from the Cypress Pines it could be accumulated in clean dust-proof tins 

 until a sufficient quantity was obtained to be sold to the local storekeeper, 

 who would again sell to the wholesale chemist, or wholesale oil and colour- 

 man of Sydney. Sandarac is usually graded. There would be no difficulty 

 in grading locally our local product, while any surplus available for export 

 could be shipped without grading 1 if found expedient. 



I have no means of getting at the consumption of Sandarac in this State, 

 but we ought, to be able to supply the local demand, and have a good surplus 

 for export. 



The mealy appearance 4 on Sandarac resin which lias remained too long on 

 the trees is well known, and can be easily removed by a weak solution of 

 potash, as suggested by Mr. R. Ingham Clark. Samples thus treated take 

 on a bright, fresh appearance, as if freshly exuded. 



It may be pointed out that the solution in weak potash of this external 

 coating would be utilised by soap-makers. Nothing need be wasted. 



Another method which may be suggested is to treat the Sandarac with 

 rectified spirit. The resin at once assumes a beautifully fresh appearance, 

 v.hile both the spirit and the dissolved resin may be readily recovered, as 

 every soap or varnish maker knows. 



Picking and grading can be done by children with facility into two or 

 three sorts; and Mr. Ingham Clark's advice not to neglect this should be 

 borne in mind, for it will pay. In a mixed parcel the price tends to that of 

 the most inferior portion of it. 



Callitris Macleayana, P.v.M. 



Botanical Name. Macleayana, in honour of the late William Sharpe 

 Macleay, of Sydney. It was described by Mueller in February, 1857, during 

 a brief visit to the Sydney Botanic Gardens, and plants in the Gardens were 

 raised from seed collected by Mr. Macleay at Tacking Point, Port 

 Macquarie. 



Vernacular Names. " Stringybark Pine," " Port Macquarie Pine," 

 "Mountain Pine," or "Turpentine Pine" are names by which it is known 

 on the Dorrigo. 



It is known locally simply as pine, and by no other name, without any 

 distinguishing characteristic such as red or white. (District Forester Hardi- 

 uian, Taree.) 



Leaves. The dimorphism of the branchlets has already been referred to. 

 The top of the leaf-scale appears 'to be rounder than in other species. 



Baric. This is friable-fibrous or stringy, different in texture to that of 

 any of the other species, which are hard, and more or less furrowed. When 

 young, before it becomes properly fibrous, it is almost silky in appearance 

 find to the touch. 



