IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 65 



growth, resistance to exposure for shelter plantation, and a 

 speedy supply of fuel, a remark which applies also to the 

 following species. 



Casuarina quadrivalvis, Labillardiere. 



The Coast Sheoak of South-East Australia, but not merely 

 living in coast sand, but also on barren places up to the hills 

 inland. Height to 60 feet. The male tree is very eligible for 

 avenues, the foliage of the species being drooping. Cattle are 

 fond of the foliage. For arresting the ingress of coast sand 

 by belts of timber, this is one of the most important trees. 

 It produces, like other Casuarinas, seeds early and copiously, 

 and is easily raised. The foliage, like that of the other species, 

 acidulous from a crystallisable substance allied to bicitrate 

 of lime. 



Casuarina suberosa, Willdenow. 



The erect Sheoak of South-East Australia. Height to 40 feet. 

 A beautiful shady species. Casuarina trichodon (Miq.) and 

 C. Huegeliana (Miq.) are arboraceous species of South- West 

 Australia, all valuable for their wood. 



Casuarina torulosa, Aiton. 



New South Wales and Queensland. Attains a height of 70 

 feet. The tough wood of this handsome tree is in demand for 

 durable shingles and furniture work, as well as for staves and 

 veneers ; it is also one of the best for oven fuel. 



Catalpa bignonioides, Walter.* 



On the Gulf of Mexico. A tree in a warm, humid climate, 

 of remarkable celerity of growth, attaining a height of about 

 20 feet in four years. Professor Meehan observed a tree to 

 attain a stem of 4 feet in diameter in twenty years, even in the 

 clime of New York. In many of the United States it is a 

 favourite tree for shade lines. When closely planted it will 

 grow tall and straight, attaining a stem of 50 feet up to the 

 first branch ; it prefers bottom lands, but will grow in any 

 soil and position, according to Mr. Barney. It is hardier than 

 most Eucalypts, but will not stand severe frosts. According 

 to Professor Burrill, it is not liable to be destroyed by insects. 

 Comes early into bearing of seeds. Professor Meehan regards 

 the wood to be as durable as that of the best Chestnut trees ; 

 indeed, it lasts for an almost indefinite period. General Harri- 

 son insists that there is nothing like it for posts. Catalpa 

 pickets of the old French stockade are still sound. Logs 



