18 



grove. Messmate (E. amygdalina) is particularly valuable as 

 a shade and ornamental tree, not only because of its attractive 

 form but also because it exhales a delicious fragrance. The 

 scarlet-flowered gum (E. ficifolia) is a favorite ornamental tree 

 on account of its beautiful red flowers. The orange-flowered 

 gum (E. calophylla), red gum (E. rostrata) and sugar gum (E. 

 corynocalyx) are also valuable shade trees. The blue gum is 

 sometimes called the fever tree and has been used successfully 

 to improve the health conditions in the swampy places around 

 Rome. Messmate is frequently planted on hospital and sani- 

 tarium grounds. 



From the leaves and young twigs of the eucalypts are distilled 

 many different kinds of oil, which are used as non-poisonous 

 antiseptics, for perfumery, and for scenting soap. An extract 

 made by steeping the leaves of Eucalyptus, particularly blue 

 gum, in water is used for bathing in the treatment of certain 

 skin diseases. The medicinal properties are probably more ame- 

 liorative than curative in their effect. Some of the oils are the 

 best known solvents for amber and other gums, and are there- 

 fore of particular value for the manufacture of high-grade var- 

 nishes. The distillation of eucalyptol and other oils is a growing 

 industry in Australia and California, though the market for these 

 products is rather limited. 



ESTABLISHING A EUCALYPTUS PLANTATION. 



CHOICE OF SPECIES. 



The first point to be considered in establishing a plantation is 

 to decide what species to grow. With the long list of eucalypts 

 available there is a wide choice, and the selection is not an easy 

 matter. The species selected must depend on two considera- 

 tions : first, the purpose for which the trees are grown, and, sec- 

 ond, the physical conditions under which the trees are expected 

 to grow that is, the soil, elevation, climate, etc. With soil and 

 climate conditions as variable as they are in Hawaii, even in the 

 same locality, no general rules as to species can be given. This 

 is particularly true in view of the fact that few of the eucalypts 

 have been grown here for any length of time, and most of the 

 planting must therefore still be in the nature of an experiment. 

 The species best suited for different uses have already been 

 mentioned, and the various trees best adapted to the different 

 physical factors have also been discussed. With these as a guide 

 it should be possible to decide in a general way what trees to 

 plant in a given place and for a given purpose. 



