86 



CASE Catechu is packed for exportation in mats, bags, or 



44. boxes, the best quality coming from Pegu. Bengal and 

 Burma, however, furnish a very large proportion of that 

 imported into this country and America. Observe fine 

 samples of Catechu, also of the wood, which is extremely 

 durable, a rice-pounder made of the wood, and cordage 

 prepared from the bark. This order {Legtiminosae) is 

 continued oji the next floor. 



Middle Floor. 



Observe opposite Case 45 a small cabinet made of 



Australian woods containing a valuable series of materials, 



fruits, &c., from the ancient Pile dwellings in the Swiss 



lakes. 



CASE The first compartment of this case contains woods, pods, 



45. gums, &c., of species of Acacia chiefly from India and 

 Africa. In the next division are numerous specimens of 

 the woods, barks and gums of Australian species of Acacia, 

 among which may be noted the bark of Dead Finish 

 (^Acacia tetragonophylla, F. Muell.), and bark of MULGA 

 {A. aneura, F. Muell.), both of which are useful for 

 tanning purposes ; the hardwood of the latter species is 

 employed by the aborigines for boomerangs, spear-shafts, 

 &c. Note also specimens of Myall Wood (Acacia 

 homalophylla, A. Cunn.), valued for its dark colour, hard- 

 ness, and fragrance, resembling fresh violets. It is much 

 used for turners' work, and for the manufacture of tobacco 

 pipes. The odour emitted from the tree vhen in flower, 

 and just before rain, is said to be almost unbearable. 



No. 240. Australian Blackwood (Acacia meZa- 

 noxylon, R. Br.), sometimes called LiGHTWOOD, chiefly in 

 Tasmania. A large-sized tree affording a timber noted 

 for its hardness and durability, by some people it is 

 considered to be the most valuable of all the Australian 

 timber trees. It was introduced into India more than 

 50 years ago, and is now completely naturalised in the 

 Nilgiris. The wood is employed in Australia for a great 

 variety of purposes, being much valued for furniture, 

 picture frames, cabinet work, &c. Specimens are shown 

 in the case and on the adjoining walls of axe and spade 

 handles, shafts for carriages, wagons, &c. 



