The Red or Forest Oak. 



(CflSMfln'<z fortt/osfl, Ait.) 



This tree is not difficult of identification either in the field or from the fruits cones 

 as they are sometimes called, for when once seen it can easily be differentiated from those 

 of its congeners, the valves being less prominent than in other species, and the intervening 

 ligneous substance being strongly rugose. The timber is also distinct, being of a uniform 

 warm, red colour throughout. The rays are well marked, producing the usual " Oak figure " 

 of the genus. It is hard, close grained, yet fissile, polishes into a warm rich colour, and 

 could be utilised in many ways in fancy cabinet work, but not in large slabs, as the tree is at 

 its full size 50 feet high, and 18 inches in diameter. Like the rest of the species, it requires to be 

 sawn methodically as soon as felled, and stacked for seasoning, for if not it splits in a very uneven 

 manner, and so much timber is wasted. It is very suitable for balusters or any kind of small 

 turnery, being very strong. Specimens exhibited at the Christchurch Exhibition were much 

 noticed. 



Description of the Tree. A rather small tree growing away from water, with a 

 fairly rough bark. Branchlets very slender, in fact, more so than perhaps any other 

 species. Leaves generally four, adnate, the slender branchlets giving a ribbed appearance. 

 Male spikes very slender, \ to I inch long. Cones very shortly cylindrical or approaching 

 globular shape, about f inch in diameter and long, the dorsal appendages of the woody 

 valves covered with numerous small tubercles. 



Geographical Range. Coastal ranges and districts of New South Wales and 

 Queensland. 



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