47 



Another kind is usually called Plum-pudding wood by the sawyers, from its mottled appearance 

 ■when cut into scantlings. This peculiarity extends nearly all the length of the trunk, but becomes less 

 noticeable towards the crown end of the log. Black stripes radiate star-like from the centre ; these get 

 gradually fainter as they approach the outside of the log, b\it are clearly defined and veiy uniform, in the 

 centre. Some trees of this class make handsome furniture, but their timber is generally too dark 

 coloured. This variety is much more free to work than either of the other. 



The Rough-Bark is another kind, its bark is very coarse, and twice as thick at least as that of the 

 Salmon-Bark. The wood is dark. The seed pod, leaves and habits of all Jan ah trees are alike. (Govern- 

 ment of Western Australia, " General Information respecting the present condition of the Forests and 

 Timber Trade," 1S82, pp. 10-11). 



Iii asking the kind attention of Mr. C. E. Lane-Poole, Conservator of Forests 

 of Western Australia, to the puzzle, I suggested that perhaps in the reference to the 

 " Salmon-bark " there might be some confusion with E. salmonophloia. Mr. Lane- 

 Poole replies : — 



I, of course, only recognise one Jarrah ; at the same time, there is no question that there is a 

 certain difference in the bark of certain Jarrahs. The salmon-bark Jarrah is qiute recognisable, and it 

 appears to me to be a case of deciduous bark. I have examined a great number of the trees, and in all 

 cases the bark has peeled off naturally, leaving the bright clean bark underneath, hence the name, 

 " Salmon Bark." I have not yet been able to find out whether the tree casts its bark regularly or 

 periodically. The bushman tells me it does it once a year. 



In regard to " Plum-pudding " wood, I have never heard the term, but I know exactly what he 

 means. I prefer this type of wood to any other for furniture making, but I do not think that it comes 

 from a different variety of tree, but merely that the tree is very old and the wood is, if anything, over- 

 mature. 



I have sent the extract down to my Chief Timber Inspector, who is a man of very wide knowledge 

 of our timbers, and I hope to get some more satisfactory information from him for you. 



The Chief Timber Inspector's report is as follows :— 

 I think there are two kinds of Jarrah trees, viz., Salmon and common. 



Salmon Trees vary according to soils and drainage. When growing on coastal sand-hills the wood 

 is generally interlocked, the crown well branched and healthy, but too heavy in propoition to the trunk; 

 the wood is fairly clear of gum-veins; the tree is not high. 



When growing on the western top of the Darling Bange, say 3 miles cast of Keysbrook, in semi- 

 sand and gravel soil, amongst Table-top or hill Banksia, the trees are of medium height with nice healthy 

 trunks and crowns, exactly as described by Mr. Simpson. They are subject to bendy heart, the same as 

 common Jarrah, in fact, I think more so. 6 in. to 12 in. deep of the sap side wood is a pretty red. The 

 inner woodis straw-coloured (!). The inner and outer wood is practically clear of gum-veins or gum-pockets. 

 The bark and wood are long fibred. 



As you travel eastward into the forest the bark becomes thicker and rougher, especially in fair soil, 

 the tiunk is longer, the crown smaller, and the wood a little less clear of gum, especially towards the crown, 

 and it becomes very difficult, except on true Salmon Jarrah soil, to distinguish the tree from the common 

 Jarrah. Salmon Jarrah is generally associated with Banksia and very little Redgum (Marri) (E. calo- 

 phylla). 



Plum-pudding Wood. — This wood occurs in both kinds of Jarrah, caused, in my opinion, by senile 

 or natural decay. 



Mottled Wood. — This occurs in both kinds of Jarrah, and is caused, in my opinion, by two reasons, 

 first finch navel-like folding growths; second, senile decay of less duration than in the Plum-puclding 

 wocd. Both woods are useful for furniture and mouldings, piano and skirting boards, but very little 

 good for sleepers. 



