Experiments upon Hardivoods of Australia. 107 



This of course causes much confusion, and detracts greatly 

 from the value of those experiments, where the true botani- 

 cal names have not been supplied. There is now, however, 

 being issued from the press a work which should do much 

 to rectify this. The Atlas of the Eucalypts, by Baron F. 

 von Mueller, supplies a want long felt, and supplies it in a 

 manner eminently worthy of the genius and learning of the 

 author. 



I will now proceed to notice the different series of experi- 

 ments which have been made upon colonial timbers up to 

 the present time, and to which I have had access. 



Fowkes. — These were experiments made by Colonel 

 Fowkes upon timbers sent to the International Exhibition of 

 1862. A great variety of woods from the different colonies 

 came under his notice. The experiments upon them are 

 numerous and very fully recorded. Specific gravity, 

 crushing weights along and across the fibre, elasticity, and 

 transverse strength were tested. The scantlings were 12 

 inches between bearings and 2 inches square, 1-inch cubes 

 being used for crushing weights. 



This is the most extensive series of experiments yet made 

 upon colonial timbers, but its value is considerably dimin- 

 ished, from the fact that the botanical names of the trees 

 furnishing the specimens have not been given. 



Sydney Mint, 1858. — These are taken from May's Austra- 

 lian Builders' Price-book. They were carried out by the 

 Commissioner of Railways, four experiments being made 

 upon each of four different kinds of woods. The scantlings 

 were 4 feet between the bearings and If inches square. 

 Transverse strength only was tested, and no botanical names 

 are furnished. 



Sydney Mint, 1861. — This series was carried out by 

 Colonel Ward, and a very full report furnished to the Parlia- 

 ment of New South Wales. A wide variety of the timbers 

 of New South Wales and Queensland are noticed, informa- 

 tion being appended as to the locality, size of tree, and uses 

 to which the timber is put. The botanical name is also 

 given in many instances. The scantlings were 4 feet between 

 bearings and 2 inches square. Specific gravity, elasticity, 

 and transverse strength were tested, and a valuable series 

 of experiments is the result. 



Victorian Railway Department, 1865. — These were 

 carried out at Sandhurst, Victoria, and are entirely devoted 

 to red-gum timber. Altogether, nine experiments were 



