34 



Eucalyphis resinifera, Sm. 



The Eed Mahogany. 



,Th.ere are several forms of this species, viz. : — 

 (A.) ISTormal, or small-fruited form. 



(B.) Large-fruited forms, showing transit between it and E- pelUta, 

 I'.yM. 



Botanical Name. — Besinifera, from two Latin words, signifying " resin- 

 feearing." As a matter of fact, the present species is by no means a free 

 yielder of "resin" (Idno). 



[Vern-acular Names. — This is the timber called Mahogany, because it 

 reminded the early settlers of the Central American wood, which is, however, 

 of much less weight than our timber. Our timber-getters and saw-millers 

 as often as not call it simply " Mahogany," but, in view of the better known 

 MJahogany so largely used in the nortliem hemisphere, it would only lead to 

 confusion if our timber were exported withput some qualifying adjective. I 

 would, therefore, express the hope that it would be consistently called, by 

 way of distinction (at all events in the export tra(ft), "Red Mahogany," a 

 term which is, of course, very largely applied in the State to this timber. 

 " Forest Mahogany " is a term- often used. This timber is often simply 

 known as Mahogany. Jn Queensland it is often called " Jimmy Low," after 

 the late Mr. James Low, of Maroochie River, a locality for some of the 

 finest specimens in that State. 



Fruit. — The fruits vary much in size and to some extent in sculpture. 



Barh. — Of a flaky-fibrous character, intermediate between those barks, 

 k;nown in Australia as Stringybark and Bloodwood. 



Timber. — Of a rich red colour. Very durable, and becoming very hard 

 with age, even as hard or harder than Ironbark, and a nail cannot be driven 

 into it without splitting it. Used for knees at Lanrieton. iSTo good for 

 knees in sweaty situations (Mr. Kenny, Oundletown). Especially hard to 

 cut with pit saw. Used for posts and rails. Yet Mr. Breckenridge, at 

 ITailford, says that the timber was not considered of much account in the 

 <3ape Hawke district until the demand for wood-blocks set in. 



Its principal uses are for general building purposes and for fencing, as 

 ,it is a very durable timber. It is an excellent timber for wood-paving, but 

 •while not depreciating its value in this direction for a moment, I would 

 point out there is just a little danger of our forgetting the merits of other 

 valuable paving timbers. Red mahogany is often sold as jarrah, which it 

 closely resembles, and for which I believe it is a perfect substitute. But 

 there are fashions and fads in paving blocks, as in many other things, and 

 European users of our hardwoods should be reminded that we have a 

 number of other meritorious timbers to offer them. It is of a handsome 

 colour, and works up well. It may be recommended for large turned work, 

 and for heavy furniture. It is useful for weather-boards (very few are now 

 made because of galvanised iron). It makes the best of shingles; it does not 

 discolour paint, which remains intact until it peels off, and, as it does not 

 afFect the water, it should be used when slabbing for wells is required. It 

 looks very well as skirting boards and banister rails, &c., and lasts well in 

 the ground. 



This is one of the most valuable hardwoods of the State. It is a grand 

 furniture wood where its weight is not against it. Visiting furniture 



