120 FARM BUILDINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA 



growing, though least hardy of the ironbarks, and should be preferred 

 to any of the others, provided the locality is suitable for its growth. 



2. Eucalyptus siderophloia. — The common name of this species is 

 "broad-leaved ironbark." It is tender to frost and drought. This 

 tree shows a good, straight growth in the middle districts of Natal. 



3. Eucalyptus crebra, commonly called the "narrow-leaved iron- 

 bark," is slow growing and stands drought and light frost. The 

 timber is straight, and cuts up well. It is a fine tree on the Natal 

 coast. 



4. Eucalyptus sideroxylon, popularly termed the "red ironbark," 

 is one of the best gums for dry, rocky, and shallow soils, and is hardy 

 against frost. It is neither so well shaped nor so fast growing as 

 Eucalyptus paniculata, but is more drought resistant, and is well 

 adapted to cold, dry districts of the Transvaal. The bark is dark and 

 deeply fissured, its rough, ropy appearance being very characteristic. 

 So far as the value of the timber is concerned, Eucalyptus sideroxylon 

 stands fourth among the ironbarks. 



Other Eucalypts. — Eucalyptus pilularis. — After the ironbarks, a tree 

 which ranks high is the " blackbutt " or " fiintwood " {Eucalyptus 

 pilularis). It is very quick growing, and furnishes hard, durable 

 timber, but is susceptible to frost and drought. It is suited to moist 

 and well- watered lower districts such as Barberton, Swaziland, and 

 coastal areas. It should not be planted in exposed, windy situations. 

 These trees are grown at Tokai Forestry Station. The timber is used 

 largely by the Railway Department for trucks and beams ; it does not 

 stand quite so well underground as ironbark timber does. 



Eucalyptus maculata, or the "spotted gum," is a handsome, quick- 

 growing, large-leaved tree. The timber is elastic, close grained, and 

 takes on a good finish. It is largely imported and is used for coach- 

 building work, being specially suitable for shafts and wheels. The 

 spotted gum grows well on stony ridges, but is adapted only to 

 localities more or less free from frost. It is one of the quickest growers 

 at Swellendam, Cape Province, and is growing well at Barberton and 

 Tzaneen. 



Eucalyptus hemiphloia, or the "gray box," produces a good, strong, 

 durable timber, which stands well in the ground, and is extensively 

 used for sleepers in Australia. It is slow growing, but is one of the 

 best gums for dry country. 



