211 



uniformly hemispherical, from i| to 3 lines in diameter ; operculum variable in 

 shape, sometimes larger than the calyx, and then it is conical and obtuse, but the 

 most common form is hemispherical, surmounted with a very prominent beak. 



Fruit. On a slender pedicel, hemispherical, and 

 consistently so ; rim slightly variable in 

 convexity ; valves exserted, prominent ; 2 

 to 4 lines in diameter. 



There can lie no mistaking /his fruit, as it preserves its 

 one form throughout i/s wide geographical distribution, 

 iiiul wherever planted in other parts of the world it is 

 one of the easiest fruits of the (icnus to recognise. 



Habitat. Banks of the Murray, Darling, Lachlan, and Murrum- 

 bidgee Rivers and tributaries, and old filled-in water- 

 courses. It is known as " Murray Red Gum " 

 throughout its geographical range. 



REMARKS.- -This Eucalyptus, commonly known as " Murray Red Gum," is the most widely distributed 

 species of the Genus, as it occurs on the banks of almost all the rivers of the interior of the continent. In the State 

 of Now South Wall's, however, there appear to be two varieties based on the chemical constituents of the oil. 

 Morphologically they seem to be alike, but after our experience with E. stricla and E. apicitlata no doubt some 

 distinguishing form or characters will be found that at present evade detection. The type is here regarded as those 

 trees found on the Murray, Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee Rivers; whilst those growin in more northern localities, 

 such as Nyngan and Broken Hill, are placed as a variety under the name of E. rostraia var. borealis. 



ESSENTIAL OIL. Leaves and terminal branchlets for distillation were 

 received from Anbury, N.S.W., in September, 1899. The yield of oil was 

 0-14 per cent. The crude oil was red in colour, while that of the rectified oil was 

 yellowish in tint, as is usual with Eucalyptus oils belonging to this group. The 

 oil contained a small amount of phellandrene and some cymene. A small quantity 

 of cineol was present, but not more than 8 to 10 per cent, in the crude oil. The 

 presence of aromadendral was well marked, and it was to the occurrence of this 

 constituent in some quantity that the high laevo-rotation of the oil was due. 



The crude oil had specific gravity at 15 C. = 0-904; rotation a D -- n-8; 

 refractive index at 20 = 1-4839, and was soluble in 2 volumes 80 per cent, 

 alcohol. The saponification number for the esters and free acid was 10-6. 



On rectification 2 per cent, distilled below 173 C. (corr.). This portion 

 consisted principally of volatile aldehydes with a little acid water. Between 

 173-189, 52 per cent, distilled ; between 189-250, 18 per cent, came over, and 

 between 250-260, 8 per cent, distilled. These fractions gave the following 

 results : 



First fraction, sp. gr. at 15 C. = 0-8725 ; rotation a D - - 10-65. 



Second ,, = 0-8950; ,, not taken. 



Third ,, = 0-9362; 



The higher rotation shown by the crude oil over that of the fraction dis- 

 tilling below 189, was due to the presence of aromadendral in the higher 

 boiling portions. 



Material of this species for distillation was also received from Hay, N.S.W., 

 in November, 1900. The yield of oil was 0-28 per cent. In colour, odour, 

 and constituents this oil was similar to that of the same species from Albury, 

 the difference in the time of year probably accounting for the increased yield. 

 A slight increase in the amount of terpenes was shown by the slightly higher 

 rotation, less specific gravity, and an increased amount distilling below 183 C, 



