THE FARM HOLDING. 223 



too faf apart The trees can then develop into branching specimens, suitable 

 not only to shelter stock on the lee side of the break, but in time, under 

 Death the trees themselves. 



George's River Wattle or Coast Myall (Ar,/cia glaucescens) makes a quick- 

 growing shelter and as a tree up to -30 feet high. 



Cape Chestnut (CaloJendron capensis) is only partially deciduous : its 

 foliage is pleasing and dense, and once a year it is clothed profusely with 

 handsome heads of Bowers. Although this subject is rather slow at first, 

 it is well worth waiting for. 



Australian Wheel Tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus) is an upright, shapely, 

 dark foliaged and evergreen tree, with brilliant scarlet wheel-shaped flowers. 

 It is slow in growth in its early treehood, but extremely hardy when 

 established. 



One of the New South Wales pine family, the Native Plum Tree 

 (Podocarpus data) makes a fine upright tree, with pleasing outlines, and does 

 not look so sombre as do most pines. This subject is useful for all pur- 

 poses, either as specimen, avenue, windbreak, or for stock shelter in groups. 



Bleak Situations and Close to the Sea. 



For exposed spots on the coast that have to be planted rather from 

 necessity than choice, the following have proved themselves to be suitable 

 with a little protection during their early stages of growth. 



The Bangalay of New South Wales (Eucalyptus botryoidea) can be grown 

 and pruned like the Tallow-wood. One of the Apple trees (Angophora 

 lanceolata), well planted and cared for, will make good and respond to the 

 pruning knife. The Norfolk Island Pine and a variety of the Hoop Pine of 

 Queensland (Araucaria excelsa and Araucaria Cunninghamii glauca respec- 

 tively) are well known in the Sydney district. The Port Jacuson Fig (Ficus 

 nihiginosa), if taken care of until established, will make one of the best 

 trees on our beaches, and in very bleak spots the Moreton Bay Fig (for 

 which all gardeners have such a hatred) should be planted. 



For sheer hardiness a Rata of New Zealand (Metrosideros tomentosa) takes 

 some beating. Its fine dark foliage, with brilliant scarlet flowers at 

 Christmas time, have given it the name of New Zealand Christmas tree. 

 Growing right on the beach at Newcastle, this bushy tree lends grateful 

 shade and protection as a breakwind. Pinus insignia is useful in bleak 

 places, but inland it should only be planted for box-timber purposes ; there 

 are enough planted for ornamental purposes already. The White Oak 

 (Layunaria Patersoni) is often used to advantage. Planted with some kind 

 of shelter, it is surprising how hardy it really is. 



Coral Tree (Erythrina indica) may be planted like the White Oak, and it 

 will stand cutting about in a wonderful way. The only objection to this 

 tree -is the litter it makes when it is shedding its leaves. As shelter for pigs 

 and poultry yards it is excellent. 



Probably the finest subject for the beach, if proper attention is given it, 

 is the Canary Island Palm (Phoenix canariensis). If it were realised that 

 this palm tree (for it really is a tree) would in twenty-five years' time possess 

 a bold single trunk supporting a head of graceful palm leaves spreading 

 15 to 18 feet from the stem and high enough to drive under, it would be 

 planted more widely. The mistake is often made of not planting them far 

 enough apart — 40 feet is quite near enough. Many try to make a stem 

 before the palm is ready for it by cutting away the bottom fronds, but 



