42 



AFFINITIES. 



Tins species is an excellent one with which to study the variation so pronounced in 

 the genus. 



I have shown, with evidence that appears to me quite incontrovertible, that 

 E. pilularis and E. Muelleriana are not specifically distinct. The following extract 

 (Trans. Hoy. Soc. Vict., 1890) shows Howitt's views in regard to the relations of his 

 E. Muelleriana with E. eugenioicles and E. capitellata. 



This eucalypt, therefore, is to be placed between E. eugenioides and E. capitellata. It resembles 

 both, but the dissimilarities are more marked than the resemblances. The characteristic distinctions are 

 quite as constant as those which distinguish those two species, and the occurrence of these species over so 

 large an area, as well as in independent lesser colonies, negatives the probability of it being a mere hybrid. 



The affinity of E. pilularis and its forms with a number of species will now 

 be dealt with seriatim. 



1. E. eugenioides, Sieb. — The affinity of E. pMularis, var. Muelleriana, and 

 E. eugenioides is closest than between any other species. These species are, indeed, 

 frequently confused through omission to keep the typical forms in mind. The 

 matter will be further dealt with when the type specimens of E. eugenioides are 

 figured. 



Like many other species and varieties of Eucalyptus, there is more or less 

 variation in the size and shape of the fruit of var. Muelleriana and E. eugenioides, 

 not to mention leaves and other characters. Thus some small-fruited specimens of 

 var. Muelleriana are, in my opinion, inseparable from some large-fruited specimens 

 of E. eugenioides. There will always be hesitancy in regard to placing these forms ; 

 the same botanist may justifiably place them in both species at different times. In 

 such cases a specimen should be labelled, I think, E. pilularis, var. Muelleriana, 

 transit to E. eugenioides, or vice versa. 



These transit forms are very common in Victoria and also in New South 

 Wales, south, west, and north. Often they are termed Yellow Stringybark (owing 

 to the bright yellow inner bark at certain seasons), which is a common name for 

 var. Muelleriana. In fact, almost typical eugenioides is sometimes known as 

 " Yellow Stringybark." 



Bentham has cursorily referred to the affinity of E. pilularis and E. eugen- 

 ioides (under E. piperita, B.F1. p. 208), and with additional knowledge gained by 

 so much field work, we are now able to amplify his remarks. 



