t 
of the Blue Gum of Tasmania, ce. Wize 
—) 
The name Blue Gum appears to have been derived from 
the bluish gray colour of the whole plant in the earliest 
stages of its growth, which is occasioned by a covering of 
dust or bloom similar to that upon the sloe or damson. At 
this period the leaves are sessile, and opposite, their bases 
overlapping each other on either side of the stem. On dif- 
ferent plants they vary in size from four to eight inches in 
length, and from two to four inches in breadth, with dis- 
tinct upper and under surfaces. From the junction of the 
leaf with the stem two slight ridges run down the stem to 
the next pair, giving the smaller branches a square appear- 
ance. ‘The duration of this series of leaves is uncertain, or 
dependent upon the position, soil, or variety. In one variety 
the second series made its appearance in the third year; but 
there are many of several years’ evident growth to be found 
bearing the sessile leaves only. 
The second series of leaves is entirely different, being pe- 
tiolate, alternate, and pendulous. When this leaf is about 
an inch and a half in length, and yet young, a half turn or 
twist is observed to occur in the petiole or leafstalk, by which 
both sides of the leaf are brought into a vertical position : 
when full grown, it varies from about six to ten inches in 
length, and from one to two in breadth, being long, narrow, 
tapering, and curved downwards towards th: )oimt or apex : 
it then becomes difficult to distinguish any difference between 
the two sides, both being equally smooth, equally marked by 
the nerves, and apparently suited to perform similar functions 
in the natural economy of the tree. When a tree is felled, 
or a large branch lopped, and shoots spring from the stump, 
the first series of leaves are sessile, as in the young plant: it 
is therefore not uncommon to see old trees as well as young 
with both kinds of leaves upon them, which I imagine has 
led to the name “‘ diversifolia” being applied to what appears 
to be the same variety as ““pudverulenta,’ and several others, 
