EXOTIC TIMBERS 119 



2. If the right trees are planted they provide a supply of 



valuable timber for fencing, building, and other purposes. 



3. They improve the appearance of the landscape in general, 



and of the farmer's property in particular. 



4. They provide a supply of fire-wood, which the thrifty farmer 



cannot afford to despise. 



5. They enhance the value of the property on which they are planted. 

 The following notes on useful timber trees, which are likely to 



succeed in particular districts, are largely taken from the records of 

 the Forestry Department. 



Exotic Timbers 



Eucalyptus Genus.— In South Africa, the Eucalyptus genus of trees 

 is probably the most widely represented, the popular name " gum " being 

 applied to the whole genus. 



The Ironbarks. — Probably the most valuable of all the eucalyptus 

 timbers is that provided by the so-called ironharhs. This timber is 

 of a dark, rich, red colour, hard, tough, durable, and valuable. It is 

 easily worked considering its hardness and toughness. It stands well 

 in the ground and resists white ants. Iron bark timber is suitable for 

 disselbooms, posts, rafters, beams, joists, waggons, and carts, and forms 

 excellent fencing posts, though it seems almost too good for that purpose. 



The ironbarks are four in number — 



1. Eucalyptus paniculata, popularly called the " white " or " gray 

 ironbark," and termed iu Natal the "Torr Vale ironbark," is probably 

 the best of the ironbarks, and therefore stands at the head of all the 

 eucalypts. It is generally quick growing, but cannot stand severe 

 frost; on shallow thorn velds, however, it is somewhat slow growing, 

 and in such districts is not recommended as a timber tree. Eucalyptus 

 paniculata has proved successful in — 



(1) Coastal districts in which there is a sufficient depth of soil. 



In Natal it is the most popular coast gum. 



(2) Sweetvelds where the soil is deep enough and the frosts not 



too severe. 



(3) Sourvelds which are not subjected to too severe frosts. On 



the sugar bush areas of mountain slopes, and doleritic 

 boulder soils, it is the most valuable of the ironbarks. 

 In general Eucalyptus paniculata is the most valuable, fastest 



