xxiii.] BLUE GUM. 245 



A specimen log of Blue Gum 31' X 24" x 28" was 

 forwarded with other woods to the London Exhibition 

 of 1862 by the Tasmanian Commissioners ; and this, at 

 the close of the Exhibition, was transferred to Woolwich 

 Dockyard for trial experimentally in ship-building. It 

 came in, however, too late, and just when wood was 

 giving place to iron in this branch of architecture, so 

 that no favourable opportunity ever offered for its em- 

 ployment. 



This log, although of very large dimensions, had 

 been cut clear of the centre, and very probably had 

 formed part of one of the hollow trees before alluded 

 to, consequently the tree to which it belonged must 

 have been at the least 6 to 7 feet in diameter. 



A plank 6 inches thick was cut from it, which quickly 

 warped or twisted 2 inches, and ultimately went to 35^ 

 inches, and stood at that in 1870. Upon examination 

 . then, it was found to be full of deep, fine shakes, but 

 otherwise it was not much changed, and there were no 

 signs whatever of decay, although it had been for a 

 long time exposed to the weather. It seems, therefore, 

 likely to be a durable wood. 



In the Australian colonies the Blue Gum is largely 

 employed in ship-building for keels, keelsons, beams, 

 and planking ; and in civil architecture for any service 

 where long, straight, and heavy timber is required. It 

 is also largely used upon the farms for fences, &c, 



