6i 



Following is a translation, from which it would appear that M. Cordier was the 

 rediscoverer of hybridism in the genus, and first gave it importance : — 



Eucalypts were introduced into France about 1854, and since 1862 several plantations have been 

 made in Algiers, notably at the Jardin d'Essai. About this time, Ramel, who studied the works of 

 Mueller, of Australia, was the apostle of Eucalyptus in Algiers. Trottier 1 and Cordier not only planted 

 E. globulus, but established collections of numerous species, with the view to a comparative study. 



The collection of Cordier, a former President of the Botanical Society of France, established on the 

 estate of El Alia a, Maison-Carree, was begun in 1864. In 1876 it amounted to 10,000 trees. An equal 

 number had been planted by Cordier at his estate of Hadjadjs at Reghaia. Cordier received the seeds 

 of 130 species, and, in 1876, 120 species more or less prospered at El Alia. The determinations were not 

 rigorous, and under the same name very different forms occurred, and, under different names, there were 

 representatives of the same species. 



Cordier, desirous of giving precision to his studies, appealed to botanists who had given attention 

 to this genus, and I have had occasion to repeatedly go through the Cordier collections with Naudin and 

 H. de Vilmorin. A certain number of plants difficult to determine resulted from sowings made with seeds 

 collected on the estate, seed which were largely distributed to horticulturists and amateurs. 



Hybridisation. — Cordier thought that the multiplicity of variations indicated hybridisation, and 

 made the observation that the indeterminate plants grew more vigorously. At this time the role of 

 hybridisation in the multiplicity of forms of Eucalyptus was not admitted, Mueller being categorically 

 against it. Meanwhile Naudin, who had devoted to the study of hybridisation a good portion of his 

 scientific career, did not hesitate to admit the ideas of Cordier, an observer who was. without prejudices 

 in the matter. 



(Here follows descriptions of a number of hybrid species, reproduced below, 

 beginning with E. Trabuti, see p. 79). 



Like a certain number of genera well known by the multiplicity of their forms, and the uncertain 

 limits between the groupings named as species, the genus Eucalyptus offers to descriptive botanists an 

 opportunity for exercising their perspicacity in the finding out and appraisement of characters said to 

 be specific. 



Without wishing to prejudge what may happen in Australia, I do not hesitate to state that with 

 us (Algiers) the introduced Eucalypts, brought together in our collections, cross with the greatest facility, 

 and this results in the variation that Naudin called " desordonnee " (irregular). 



The several hybrids that I have indicated at a time when specialists in Eucalyptus denied the 

 existence, and even the possibility of hybridisation in the species, are only isolated cases fortuitously 

 observed; methodical search will reveal a much larger number. 



Besides the scientific interest that this verification presents, it has an imrjortant practical 

 interest, for some hybrid species, already under observation for twenty years, are more vigorous and 

 better adapted to our country than their parents. It is incontestable with these hybrids that they will 

 constitute wooded areas which will one day relieve us from a large importation of wood and fuel from 

 abroad. 



Under the influence of cultivation there is also produced, very likely, variations that one would 

 not be able to attribute with certainty to a recent crossing. 



It may be objected, perhaps, that in the genus Eucalyptus species may produce themselves by 

 mutation. But it will always be very difficult to eliminate from the causes of these mutations the action 

 of a foreign pollen. 



There remains now to practice artificial hybridisation. I am convinced that the scientific and 

 practical results of it would be considerable. The raising of Eucalypts (Eucalyptus breeding) is 

 important for the Mediterranean region, where this tree should render most important services. 



1 See Trottier — De l'accroissement et de la valeur progressive de l'Euealyptus. Alger, 1871. 8 vo. 

 See also my " Forest Flora of New South Wales," Part LXVTII, p. 374. 



