82 



Tristania conferta, E-.Br. 



The Brush Box. | 



Botanical Name. — Tristania, after M. Tristan, a French botanist. Don 

 (probably following Sir. J. E. Smith) has a fanciful d'erivation from the, 

 Greek, treis, stao, signifying to stand in threes, in allusion to a supposed 

 disposition of the flowers and leaves. Conferta, from the Latin, denoting; 

 " close together," the leaves being crowded together on the twigs. 



Vernacular Names. — Usually known as "Box" of one sort or anothei^-^ 

 " Brush Box," " Scrub Box," " White Box," " Bastard Box," " Brisbane 

 Box." It must not be confused with any of the species of Eucalyptus 

 known as " Box," owing to the timber being tough and inlooked;'" Brush," 

 because it is essentially a brush (an Australian word for luxuriant vegeta- 

 tion — ^jungle in fact) timber. The name " Brush Box " distinguishes it 

 especially from "Forest" or "Grey" Box {Eucalyptus hemipMoia) . The 

 name " Woqllybutt " is in use in the Port Stephens district as well as on, 

 the Manning. It must not be confused with the true " Woollybutt '"' 

 (Eucalyptus longifolia). 



Synonym. — Lophostemon ariorescens, Schott. Strange to say the name 

 Lophostcmon (usually L. australis) has stuck to this plant, particularly 

 amongst nurserymen. It has no priority, andi its use should be dis- 

 couraged. 



Timber. — Its chajracteristies are toughness, strength, and djurable 

 qualities. It has a more than usual tendency to warp and twist, which 

 could be largely counteracted by felling at the proper season, and by giving 

 somte attention to seasoning. The timber wants a little humouring, but 

 it is so promising as regards durability and resistance to wear, that it is 

 worthy of pains being taken to give it fair play. With the knowledge that 

 we possess of Myrtaceous timbers, to cut Brush Box when in full growth, 

 and then to expose it to the rays of the sun as we often feel them in New 

 South Wales, is not to give it fair play. 



It is one of the timbers most obnoxious to white ants. It is pale-coloured, 

 usually brownish or pinkish, and turning greyish on exposure. It dulls the 

 saws. This is the timber perhaps universally used in the northern districts 

 for tram-rails for haulage of the logs from the forest to the saw-mill. It is 

 not cut 'by the iron wheels, but becomes polished by the traction, -^-hile it is 

 eminently durable. Much used for bulloek-yokes. I am of opinion that 

 if proper attention were paid to the time of felling, and if it were moderately 

 seasoned, it would be a useful timber for paving-blocks. I also am of opinion 

 that the question of its suitability for bridge-decking should form the 

 subject of careful inquiry. I have seen inch boards of this timber exposed 

 to the atmosphere for months without warping; at the same time, that it 

 warps a good deal if cut all through the year, and never seasoned, is 

 notorious. Owing to its toughness, it is used locally for mallets, chisel- 

 handles, planes, jaws of handrscrews, &c. 



It is extensively used in the North Coast districts for wheelwrights' 

 work. 



Following are specific reports upon it : — ■ 



Oiie of tbe most valuable timbers in tbo colony ou account of its durabilityt 

 it Is averred on credible autbority tbat instances are known of this timber 

 remaining perfectly sound after being nearly thirty years worked up as ribs 

 of vessels. - . Used for scantling, floorlug-boards, &c. — (.V.iS.ir. Cata}., 

 London Dxh., 1862.) 



