215 



On the anhydrous bark the following results \vere obtained: 



Total extract, 23-1 per cent. 



\on-tannin, f> 1 per cent. 



Tannin, 18 per cent, absorbed by hide powder. 



If these results are calculated in ordinary air-dried bark containing 33 per 

 cent, of moisture, the statement would be: 



Total extract, 20-1 per cent. 



Non-tannin, 44 per cent. 



Tannin, l.~> 7 per cent, absorbed by hide powder. 



Yours. &c.. 

 II. T. I-JAKER, Curator. 



Timber. When a log is freshly cut it is of a pale colour, and looks 

 simply like Ash. It is straight in the grain, works easily, and is somewhat 

 tough. But in the course of a few weeks; or months the heart-wood darkens, 

 the sapwood retaining its original pale colour. According to age of tree. 

 length of exposure or seasoning, this heart-wood may change to brown-reds 

 of all depths of tint and even to bright red of a very ornamental character. 

 The meaning of the name " Red Ash " is thus explained. When I first 

 gave attention to this timber some years ago, I had a piece so fiery red 

 that I did not believe the colour was natural, and planed the surface, 

 only to find the colour was skin-deep, but it returned, in course of time, to 

 its original deep colour. This colouration has not yet been carefully 

 examined, and we are, therefore, unable to give a satisfactory explanation 

 of it. The colouring of Red Ash, like the colouring of a meerschaum pipe, 

 takes time, and this is, of course, a drawback. I know of no other New 

 South Wales timber which has such a striking colour. Another drawback 

 is, of course, its superficial nature. For instance, when used for furniture, 

 if it be touched with a plane the pale-coloured timber is exposed, making 

 the timber look patchy, until, after the lapse of months, the timber becomes 

 of a uniform deep red colour. 



Following are reports on this timber made by some Xew South Wales 

 foresters a few years ago: 



I'sed only in a small way here for staves. (Mr. Forester Martin. Gosford. ) 

 Timber pinkish, sometimes with beautiful figure, hard and tough and very 

 lasting, even on exposure to the weather. The surface of the heart-wood turns 

 quite red after short exposure to the sun. It is not very generally known. I 

 have seen it. used for ribs of vessels. I believe it to be excellent for eoach- 

 huilding, and generally well adapted for cabinet work. (Mr. Forester II udder, 

 Booral. ) 



This is; a very handsome timber, splits well, and is durable and tough. It 

 makes good staves, axe-handles. &c., also palings, shingles, and besides, lasts 

 well in the ground. It takes a very tine polish, and is often used for cabinet 

 work, as it shrinks very little. It makes a good lining for a house. I have- 

 been shown a house twenty years old lined with this timber sawn green. The 

 wood has not shrunk, and is still sound. It has ;i pleasant smell when fresh 

 cut. It is a splendid firewood. It was used by the aboriginals for light spears. 

 (Mr. Forester Devcrell, Glen irines.) 



Mr. Walter Hill, of Queensland, says of it : 



The wood is hard, close-grained, durable, and will take a high polish. It is 

 suitable for gun-stocks, and a variety of other purposes. 



Size. Height, 40-80 feet; diameter, 20-30 inches, in the Gosford district. 



On the coast up to 2 feet in diameter; height, up to CO or TO feet; very 

 txceptional up to 3 feet in diameter. (Mr. Forester It udder.) 



