71 



{E. hiemastoma), not hitherto recorded in Tasmania," hy T. Stephens {Froc. K. S. 

 Tas., 1881, p. 24), he refers to it as " Gum-topped stiingyhark," and speaks of it as 

 follows : — 



The chief peculiarity of this tree is that while the lower part of the butt is clothed with a thick 

 fibrous bark closely resembling that of the common stringybark {E. obliqva), the upper part, and the 

 smaller limbs and branches are quite smooth, whence its popular name. The timber is highly prized by 

 splitters, and, for general purposes, it is described by many competent authorities as second only to the 

 blue gum, though opinions seem to differ as to its durability. It is found in most parts of the Colony, 

 and appears to grow as freely on the table-lands of the interior, reaching an altitude of not less than 

 3,000 feet above the sea, as along the coast-line. 



It seems to be the same as the following timbers referred to in a Tasmanian 

 ofTicial catalogue : — " Gum-topped stringybark, JEuc. luemastoma (?)." 



No. 30 B., T.G.R. Two planks, 6 feet by 9i inches by G inches, Scottsdale Line. 



Eucahjptus hifrnastoma (Gum-topped stringybark), is more a buildei's' tree for inside work or cart 

 bodies. 8o far no determination has been made as to its strength and weight, though it is used extensively 

 where it grows. It is not known, however, as a distinct timber in the market. See also "Tasmanian Official 

 Record for 1891 " (R. M. Johnston), p. 135. 



Mr. A. O. Green, in his useful paper on " Tasmanian timbers," also refers to 

 the Gum-topped stringybark as Enc(tlyi'>tus luemastoma, which should now be 

 drojjped. 



Following is a copy of a label in Herb., Melb.— " _E'«e. Juemastoma, Sm. : 

 Gum-topped stringybark of Lake Sorell, Tasmania (T. Stephens). Lower part of 

 stem exactly like common stringybark, but if anything rather less furrowed, the 

 bark being quite loosely fibrous, and easily rubbed into wbat bushmen call ' bull's 

 wool.' " {a) Parattah, Midland Railway, Tasmania, 1,200 feet above sea-level ; also 

 {h) Russell Falls River, 50 miles N.W. of Ilobart, 500 feet above sea-level 

 (T. Stephens). These sj)ecimens were sent in response to my request for " Gum- 

 top stringybark." 



'•■ E. lunmastoma. A messmate (fibrous bark). Mount Mueller, near Mount 

 Baw Baw, Victoria (Jas. Melvin)," so named by Mueller. 



H. E. virgala, Sieb. var. altior, Deane and Maiden, and 



K. E. oreades, R. T. Baker, from the Blue Mountains, N.S.W., are ftutlier 

 removed from E. Bisdoni, Hook, f., var. el((l(( Bentliam, but are still referable, I 

 think, to the Gum-top stringybarks. Their affinity is towards obliqtia. 



In my paper read before AusL Assoc. Ado. Science (Hobart, 1902), I 

 suggested that one form of the Gum-top stringybark Avas referable to E. virgata, 

 and addi'cssed an appeal to Tasmanian botanists to make further inquiries in regard 

 to tliosc trees, but I am of opinion tliat some of the Tasmanian stringybarks may be 

 justifiably considered as extreme forms of virgala, should any botanist sec lit 

 to do so. 



