Indigenous Vegetable Productions. 23 



is the only Eucalyptus which ranges over almost the whole 

 Australian continent. Although still a large tree, it is inferior 

 in size to the blueguhi and also less durable. Its wood is brittle, 

 but of a fine red brown shade and capable of receiving a 

 beautiful polish ; but although harder than the timber of the 

 East Australian cedar (Cedrela Australis), which is here uni- 

 versally used as the principal furniture wood, cannot by any 

 means compete with it, being much more difficult to work and 

 apt to warp. Underground, it decays much sooner than 

 the bluegum timber ; but it still resists long the iufluence of 

 water. Though seldom used for beams or piles, it makes 

 excellent planking, and is extensively used as wooden kerbing. 

 The price in Melbourne is about 10 per cent, above bluegum. 



The whitegum (Eucalyptus acervula) is similar to the pre- 

 ceding, but of paler color. 



The timber of the ironbark tree (Eucalyptus resinifera) is 

 tough, hard, and therefore durable, but difficult to work., and 

 is mainly used for spokes and felloes. It grows chiefly on 

 barren ranges, and usually indicates an auriferous formation. 

 A noble species of Eucalyptus, occurring in the eastern part of 

 Gipps Land, has, for the excellence of its dark timber, received 

 the name of mahogany. 



The blackwood (Acacia Melanoxylon) may in many of its 

 qualities be compared to the walnut. It is foremost amongst 

 the indigenous furniture woods, and surpasses in durability the 

 Australian cedar, but is less easily wrought. In the rich soil 

 of our forest valleys the tree attains the height of 120 feet, 

 furnishing then fine straight logs of timber. For staves of 

 casks that variety of blackwood is selected which is grown in 

 more open localities, and is characterized by a more dense 

 texture. Mr. Ch. Mayes, C.E., remarks, "that it has been 

 largely used in the construction of the pontoon bridge at 

 Echuca, and also in the construction of the railway carriages 

 and trucks for the Victorian railways. It is less liable to 

 crack or warp than most other Australian woods." The price 

 in Melbourne is about 4s. per cubic foot. 



The stringybark wood (Eucalyptus fabrorum) is one of the 

 most frequently used timbers, the stems being tall, remarkably 

 straight, and easily split. In barren mountains this tree is 

 available in endless abundance, and in size almost rivalling 

 the bluegum. Whilst its fissile quality renders this wood 

 superior to any other native wood for shingles, palings, and 

 rails, in regard to durability it ranks far below bluegum 

 wood, and fence posts of it are much more subject to decay 



