215 



On the anhydrous bark the following results were obtained : — 



Total extract, L'l? 1 per cent. 



Xon-tannin, 51 per cent. 



Tannin, 18 per cent, absorbed by hide powder. 



If these results are calculated in ordinary air-dried bark containing ]3 per 

 cent, of moisture, the statement would be : — 



Total extract, 20- 1 per cent. 



Non-tannin, 4 4 per cent. 



Tannin, lu 7 per cent, absorbed by hide powder. 



Yours, &c., 

 R. T. BAKEK, Curator. 



Timber. — ^When a log is freshly cut it is of a pale colour, and looks 

 simply like Ash. It is straight in the grain, works easily, and is somewhat 

 tongh. But in the course of a few weeks or months the heart-wood darkens, 

 the sapwood retaining its original pale colour. According,, to age of tree, 

 length of exposure or seasoning, this heart-wood may change to brown-redvs 

 of all depths of tint and even to bright red of a very ornamental character. 

 The meaning of the name " Eed Ash " is thus explained. When I first 

 gave attention to this timber some years ago, I had a piece so fiery red 

 that I did not believe 'the colour was natural, and planed the surface, 

 only to find the colour was skin-deep, but it returned, in course of time, to 

 its original deep colour. This colouration has not yet been carefully" 

 examined, and we are, therefore, unable to give a satisfactory explanation 

 of it. The colouring of Eed Ash, like the colouring of a meerschaum pipe, 

 takes time, and this is, of course, a drawback. I know of no other New 

 South Wales timber which has such a striking colour. Another drawback 

 is, of course, its superficial nature. For instance, when used for furniture, 

 if it be touched with a plane the pale-ooloured timber is exposed, making- 

 the timber look patchy, until, after the lapse of months, the timber becomes 

 of a uniform deep red colour. 



Following are reports on this timber made by some Xew South Wales 

 foresters a few years ago :— 



I'sert only in a small way here for staves. (Mr. Forester JIartin, Gosford.) 

 Timber pinkish, sometimes with beautiful figure, hard and tough and \e-Yy 

 lasting, even on exposure to the weather. The surface of the heart-wood turns 

 finite red after short exposure to the sun. It is not very generally known. I 

 liave seen it used for riljs of vessels. I believe it to be excellent for coaoli- 

 building, and generally well adapted for cabinet work. (Mr. Forester Rudder, 

 Kooral.) 



This is a very handsome timber, splits well, and is durable and tough. It 

 makes good staves, axe-handles, &c., also palings, shingles, and besides, lasts 

 well in the ground. It talces a very fine polish, and is often used for cabinet 

 work, as it shrinks very little. It makes a good lining for a house. I have 

 been shown a house twenty years old lined with this timber sawn green. The 

 ^vood has not shrunk, and is still sound. It has a pleasant smell when fresh 

 cut. It is a splendid firewood. It was used by the aboriginals for light spears.. 

 (Mr. Forester Deverell, Glen Innes.) 



Mr. Walter Hill, of Queensland, says of it : — 



The wood is hard, close-grained, durable, and will take a high polish. It i* 

 suitable for gun-stocks, and a variety of other purposes. 



;S'i2e.— Height, 40-80 feet; diameter, 20-30 inches,- in the Gosford district. 



(3n the coast up to 2 feet in diameter; height, up to 60 or 70 feet; very 

 exceptional up to 3 feet in diameter. (.Mr. Forester Rudder.) 



