of the Blue Gum of Tasmania, ce. 129 
Bark, in order to test the loss they may sustain in weight 
and dimensions during a thorough seasoning: but as this 
will be a matter of observation, extending over a period of 
years, I propose placing them in the Museum, where they 
may be weighed and measured at fixed periods, and the 
results finally tabled. 
The value of Blue Gum in Hobart Town, supposing -a 
considerable order were to be met, is stated by Mr. Oldham 
to be,—for crooked timbers, from 4s. to 10s. each; planking, 
from £2 10s. to £3 per 50 cubic feet, im lengths from 25 
to 50 feet. Mr. Watson states £4 for the load of 50 cubic 
feet for crooks and timbers, and 10s. per 100 superficial feet 
of planking. Extra lengths, which may be obtained easily 
of 140 feet, would of course be of greater value. 
From its abundance in this Colony, there is much waste 
of this valuable timber. Near the ground, the spreading of 
the bole imto the roots enlarges the diameter enormously. 
Persons employed to fell this timber erect, therefore, a stage 
about 10 or 12 feet above these, where the proper stem 
usually commences,—and here the cut is made: all below, 
although the most valuable for crooks, is left in the ground ; 
the saving of labour being deemed more than equivalent to 
the loss. It is cut at all seasons; and no observation has 
been made as to any difference in quality between winter and 
summer-felled timber. 
Like many other woods, the Blue Gum is subject to the 
sea worm (Z'eredo navalis), which attains to great size in 
it when an entrance is once effected. In a piece taken from 
the keel of the Commissariat steamer Derwent, (see ex- 
periment No. 16), the removal of which was occasioned by 
the action of the Z’eredo at one spot, where the wood was 
exposed to its attacks im consequence of the copper having 
been accidentally rubbed off, some of the perforations were 
K 
