2S2 TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [CHAP. 



is described as good for flooring, &c. E. viminalis, the 

 White Gum of Tasmania, is not very durable, but useful 

 in rough building work and for split-stuff, and several 

 other species are used for minor purposes in the 

 •colony. 



AUSTRALIAN "OAKS." 



There are no true Oaks in Australia, but the name 

 has been transferred by the colonists to the timber of 

 various species of Casuarina, a totally different family 

 with no relationship to the genus Quercus. These trees 

 are very remarkable in many respects, and it is the 

 merest superficial resemblance between the timbers — 

 -chiefly turning on the broad medullary rays, and partly 

 the colour — that has suggested the name " Oak " for 

 them. The usual colour of Casuarina wood is that of 

 ■deep red Mahogany, with dark veinings and markings, 

 and the grain has some resemblance to that of the 

 Evergreen Oaks of Asia. There are various species in 

 Australia, and one or two have now been planted else- 

 where. The following are the most important, some 

 being especially good fuel : — 



Casuarina equisetifolia, the Swamp Oak or Beef- 

 wood, with a coarse-grained but beautifully-marked 

 .structure, and employed for fencing, gates, shingles, 

 &c., in work where lightness and toughness are required. 

 It is described as very durable. 



C. stricta, the Shingle Oak, regarded as a fine 

 furniture wood, and with very handsome mottling and 

 capable of being turned, polished, and well worked. 



Several other species are known, but used chiefly as 

 fuel, under the names of " He Oak," " She Oak," "River 

 Oak," &c. 



