98 TIMBER 
which frequently attains to a height of 200 or more 
feet ; its straight symmetrical bole towers upright and 
overtops all other eucalypts in its vicinity. The 
wood is, in its main characteristics, similar to the 
Jarrah, but is understood to be less durable, although, 
in some respects as a paving material, it is superior. 
Ironbark.—This further species of the Eucalyptus 
family is another timber which holds an important 
position among the timbers of Australia. There are four 
varieties, three of them being of especial value, fitted as 
they are for bridge work, beams, railway sleepers and 
other similar work. The trees attain a height of 100 
to 150 ft., with a diameter of 2 to 5 ft., and the timber, 
hard, tough and extremely difficult to work, is no less 
than 73 Ibs. to the cubic foot in weight. The wood 
from these varieties differs in colour, the three most 
in favour varying from white to grey, the further one 
being of a reddish colour. 
Blackbutt.—A tree growing from 50 to 150 ft. in 
height, and with a diameter of 2 to 4 ft., is also one of 
the most valuable and esteemed of the Eucalyptus 
family, being adapted for similar purposes to the 
Ironbark. The wood varies somewhat in colour, but 
is generally of a greyish brown. Most difficult to work 
either with saw or plane. 
Blue Gum.—-Another similar wood of durable charac- 
ter, produced from a fine, shapely tree, whose symmetrical 
growth attains a considerable height. It is largely 
used for similar constructional work as the foregoing. 
Tallow Wood.—Is so called because of its greasy 
nature. It is a wood that, after Blackbutt, ranks next 
in general excellence. It is strong and durable, and, 
having good working qualities, is in favour for building 
purposes, It is of pale brown colour, difficult to split, 
and is reported in Australia as being an admirable wood 
