52 EUCALYPTS CULTIVATED IN THE UNITED STATES. 



the whole creation I Viewed in its marvelous height when standing forth in its 

 fullest development on the slopes, or within glens of mountain forests, it represents 

 probably the tallest of all trees of the globe; considered as a hard-wood tree of 

 celerity in growth, it ranks among the very foremost; * * * and contemplated 

 in respect to the yield of volatile oil from its copious foliage, it is unsurpassed and 

 perhaps not equaled by any other tree in the whole world. 



He speaks of recorded heights of over 400 feet and of diameters of 

 18 to 35 feet. One tree furnished a log 220 feet long, 12 feet in 

 diameter at the top, and 30 feet in diameter at the base — an immense 

 stick of hard-wood timber! While claiming that this Eucalvpt is the 

 tallest tree in the world, Baron von Mueller admits that in respect to 

 height combined with diameter '' it must cede the palm of superiority 

 perhaps " to the Sequoias of California. In most other countries out- 

 side of Australia, this Eucalypt has not attained extraordinary heights; 

 nor does its rate of growth prophesy great size. (PI. X.) In the 

 Southwest man}^ other species grow more rapidly and have attained 

 greater height since their introduction. 



The tree is a very variable one, the size and habit depending upon 

 the soil and the climatic environment. The great heights mentioned 

 are attained in cool, moist ravines. Baron von Mueller says that in 

 more open country it is of much lower stature, in some cases being 

 comparatively a dwarf. It is the latter form that is known as "Pepper- 

 mint Tree." In the Southwest it is exceedingly variable, running into 

 forms that are evidently worthy of varietal names. The bark is also 

 quite variable, being either rough and persistent or flaking off and 

 leaving a smooth, yellowish surface. The trunk is fairly erect, but 

 the small branches usually droop willow-fashion. The leaves are of 

 medium size, varjang from very narrow to lance-shaped. They are 

 usually more or less curved. The narrow leaves are quite thick, the 

 wider ones thinner. They are equally green on the two sides, and 

 conmionly have a distinct odor of peppermint when crushed. The 

 flowers are small, in compact clusters of 8 to 15. The seed cases are 

 small and nearly top-shaped. (See PI. L.) 



Climatic requirements. — The tree endures low temperatures, but is 

 injured by dry heat. It does best near the coast and at moderate ele- 

 vations in well-watered mountain regions. In no part of the South- 

 west do the requirements seem fully met. 



Uses. — The timber is not so valuable as that of many other Euca- 

 lypts, but is said to be useful for shingles, rails, and for planking in 

 ships. It is comparatively light, unlike many other Eucalypts. float- 

 ing on water. It does not usually last well underground, nor does it 

 furnish fuel of good qualit3^ The leaves are a source of Eucalyptus 

 oil. Baron von Mueller states that the fallen leaves of this and some 

 other species deodorize the soil. He recommends the planting of it in 

 swampy fever regions, where climatic conditions are suitable. 



