11 



dose produces a temporary excitement, headache, and slight 

 fatigue. 



Dr. Rabuteau states that the leaves contain no alkaloid. 

 Count Maillard de Marafy from experiments instituted by him, 

 announces that the leaves can be used as a substitute for sumach. 

 The tincture is stated to be an excellent remedy against ague 

 and intermittent fever, especially that kind which is often epi- 

 demic in marshy districts, and Spanish physicians have pro- 

 nounced it efficacious in such cases. Other preparations alluded 

 to in above list possess powerful tonic and diffusible stimulant 

 properties, performing remarkable cures in cases of chronic 

 catarrh and dyspepsia, and some form an excellent antiseptic 

 application to wounds. From this it will be seen that this Eu- 

 calypt may become of very great importance in a medicinal point 

 of view, if in no other, and considering their analogy in other 

 respects it would not be surprising if many other of the species 

 were found to possess equally important properties. 



I. TIMBER OF THE EUCALYPTS. 



The timber of the Eucalypts when green, is generally soft, 

 but when cut into beams, planks, etc., and exposed for a short 

 time to atmospheric influence becomes very hard and in conse- 

 quence difficult to work ; this hardening is attributed to the 

 increased density of the woody structure and to the solidification 

 of the gum resin, which is copiously distributed throughout its 

 substance. 



This genus furnishes the most important of the native woods 

 employed for economical purposes ; and, according to their in- 

 dividual properties, often strongly marked, are well adapted for 

 the various purposes of the shipbuilder, millwright, wheelwright, 

 coachmaker and carpenter ; and many, from the great beauty of 

 their duramen, and the very high and beautiful polish which 

 they are capable of receiving, are justly favorites with the cabinet 

 maker. 



The timber of Eucalyptus marginata, Smith the Swan River 

 or West Australian mahogany, or mahogany eucalypt (restricted 

 to Western Australia), is worthy of special notice, from the 

 wonderful property it possesses of being absolutely impervious to 

 the inroads of the Limnoria, Teredo and Chelura : a property 

 which eminently adapts it for the construction of wharves, jetties, 



