CHAPTER XI 
THE HARDWOOD TIMBERS OF JAPAN AND THE 
AUSTRALASIAN COLONIES 
Many varieties of timber, principally of the hardwood 
division, and mostly fitted for heavy constructional 
work, are grown in the Australasian Colonies. Most of 
them belong to the Eucalyptus family, the Continent 
being richer in this genus than in any other. They 
are chiefly strong, heavy and durable woods, fitted for 
the above-mentioned work, and of them about six 
or more varieties are exported in more or less quantities 
to the English and other markets. Some few descriptive 
notes may be given in regard to these, and also to a 
few further woods which, suitable for more decorative 
work, are occasionally shipped to Great Britain. 
Jarrah.—This timber and Karri are perhaps the most 
important that are grown in Western Australia. The 
tiee from which it is obtained grows to a height of 
90 to 120 ft., the trunks often showing a length of 50 
to 60 ft. to the first branch, and being from 3 to 5 it. 
in diameter. The wood is of deep red colour, hard and 
dense in texture, its weight, when fresh, being about 
70 lbs. to the cubic foot, and, when seasoned, about 
10 Ibs. less. It is largely used in England for street- 
paving purposes, and in Australia, Cape Colony and 
other countries, for piles, jetties, bridge building and 
railway sleepers. It is exported, cut to fine dimensions, 
and is pre-eminent, not only for strength and durability 
but as being impervious to sea-worms. 
Karri.—One of the largest timber trees of Australia, 
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