176 



in which it is indigenous. This affords an illustration of the fact that in 

 acclimatisation experiments one must not adhere too slavishly to the climato 

 and soil conditions of a plant in its original habitat. 



The Tropical Agriculturist states that, "certainly for beauty of foliage, for 

 tenacity of vitality (it scarcely ever fails in planting), for fair rapidity of 

 growth and value of timber at a comparatively early age, it is one of the most 

 valuable gifts which Australia has bestowed on Ceylon. It flourishes from sea 

 level to 6,000 feet, and we do not wonder at its popularity and wide diffusion. 

 If a (.'asiiurina or a Frcncht is allowed to grow somewhat big in the nursery it 

 almost infallibly dies when planted out, while the (Ira-illca flourishes equally 

 as a seedling', a well-grown plant, or as a stump. 



The faith felt in the beneficial influence of Grevilleas, planted along with tea 

 especially, continues to gather strength among Ceylon planters. These trees 

 afford shelter from the wind, supply an ample litter with fallen leaves, and 

 the roots penetrate and open up what is often a, hard sub-soil." 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE 1. 



A. Flower-bud. 



B. Expanded flower (a) Corolla, (b) Ovary, which is stipitate, (c) 



Style. 

 c. Petal (Bentham's perianth-lobe), with sessile anther. 



D. Stigma. 



E. Pedicel with ovary, the corolla removed (a) Pedicel, (&) Stipitate 



ovary, (c) Semiannular disc. 

 r. Follicles showing the dehiscence. 

 v. Seed, winged all round. 



Grevillea stria fa, R.Br. 

 WESTERN BEEFWOOD, 



Botanical Name. Striata (Latin), channelled, fluted; in botany, striat?, 

 In reference to the longitudinal markings of the leaves. 



Vernacular Names. " Beefwood " is a name of well-nigh universal 

 .application in the districts in which it is found. The appearance of the 

 fresh timber resembles that of raw beef a good deal. I have known it to 

 be called " Silvery Honeysuckle " by reason of its glaucous or silvery foliage 

 when young. 



Leaves. The long leaves are eaten by stock, including horses; but the 

 foliage is rather sparse and woody, and it cannot be regarded as a very good 

 fodder plant, (Peacock.) 



Flowers. The long spikes of creamy, yellow flowers are very handsome. 

 It often flowers in December. 



Timber. Its appearance has already been described. It is the best fencing 

 timber in much of the country in which it grows. It is very durable, and 

 it never rots, according to some authorities. It is better, however, in split, 

 rather than in round posts. 



Mr. R. J. Dalton, of Wanaaring, says of it : 



Very useful as it stands well in the ground. Have used it for house-blocks, 

 posts," furniture, strong flooring, well-slabs, picture-frames. It is not much 

 good for bullock-yokes, although extensively used, as it is very liable to split 

 It should be very good for r.-iilway sleepers, as it lasts well in the ground. 

 Have also seen it used for roofing shingles, as it is a fine splitting wood. No 

 good for firewood. 



The timber is used for gate-making, and also for panelling of various 

 kinds. 



