124 THE PRINCIPAL SPECIES OF WOOD. 



whether they are due to the fact that the leaves evaporate 

 unusual quantities of water drawn by the roots from the soil.* 



The trees are characterized by leathery evergreen foliage 

 of many shades, such as blue, gray, and green. The leaves of 

 young and old trees differ widely in some species. Those of 

 young blue gums are bright blue, oval, and stalkless, while 

 leaves of older trees have stems, are dark green and sickle- 

 shaped. The characteristic odor is the only point in common 

 between the foliage of the old and young of this species. 

 There are, as stated, nearly four hundred species. 



* The writer has seen long rows of California blue gums cut down because 

 they "dried the soil." The general form of a blue gum tree suggests that of large 

 black Locust. 



McClatchie, U. S. Forestry Bulletin No. 35. 



