EUCALYPTUS MINIATA. 



distinct stalklets, in very angular and broader calyces, proportionately longer lid, in more saturated 

 orange-colored filaments, longer anthers, larger very woody fruits, which latter are lined with 

 prominent ridges and open with 3 or 4 valves ; the fertile seeds are also larger. 



In its fruit E. miniata resembles B. ptychocarpa very much, but the bark of the latter is 

 more stringy, more solid and on the main-branches persistent, its leaves are of darker color above, 

 of larger size and thicker substance, still less perceptibly dotted by oil-pores, more copiously and 

 more prominently veined and devoid of stomata on the upper surface ; the umbels are somewhat 

 paniculated and terminal, the calyces are provided with stalklets ; the fruits are not quite so 

 large, while the fertile seeds are terminated by a conspicuous membrane. 



E. miniata ought to be introduced along with E. ficifolia, E. phoenicea and E. ptychocarpa into 

 ornamental arboreta, and may even prove useful as a timber-tree. In all likelihood it could be 

 grown anywhere in regions free of frost, though situated far extratropical. Schauer's description 

 of E. miniata was so brief, that it led me formerly to seek Cunningham's species in E. phoenicea. 

 I am aware, that E. miniata produces its blossoms from the month of May to August, and perhaps 

 its flowering time lasts still longer, in which respects this species as well as E. phoenicea has so 

 far the advantage over the gorgeous E. ficifolia, the flowering period of which is limited to very 

 few weeks. 



Mr. William Elliott, one of our most experienced and accomplished horticulturists, has very 

 recently raised this Eucalyptus from seeds, taken from specimens in my museum, gathered thirteen 

 years ago. By this experiment it has now been proved, that seeds of Eucalypts will retain their 

 power of germination for a very lengthened period, provided they are stored in a dry and cool 

 locality. This fact adds now another instance to the many recorded in reference to the value of 

 the great genus Eucalyptus, which in its extent and in its importance vies even with such large 

 genera of leading timber-trees as those of Pinus and Quercus, while it surpasses both in tracta- 

 bility imder growth as well as in early return of timber, and certainly stands foremost as a genus 

 of forest-trees in the rich complex of its specific forms and in their extensive utilitarian appli- 

 cation anywhere among indigenous trees within the whole British dominions ! 



Explanation of Anaittic Details. — 1, unexpanded flower, with the lid lifted ; 2, longitudinal section of 

 an unexpanded flower ; 3 and 4, front- and back-view of an anther with portion of the filament ; 5, style and 

 stigma ; 6, two ripe fruits ; 7, transverse section of a fruit ; 8, fertile seeds ; 9, sterile seeds ; 10, embryo in situ ; 

 11, side-view of cotyledons ; 12, transverse section of embryo ; all except figs. 6 and 7 magnified, but to various 

 extent. 



