70 



15. — SHE-OAK (Casuarina Fraseriana). 



A tree attaining a height of 40 to 45 feet, with a bole 10 to 15 feet, and a 

 diameter of two feet six inches. 



Weight per cubic foot (green) — 601bs. 

 At 12 per cent, moisture — 521bs. 

 Transverse strength — 12,0001bs. per square inch. 

 Tensile strength — 9,0001bs. per square inch. 



A sound wood with broad medullary rays, which show up and make the 

 timber particularly beautiful when cut on the quarter. It takes a good polish 

 and stands up well, and therefore makes an excellent cabinet wood. It makes a 

 good ox yoke. It splits well, and was used almost exclusively in the early clays 

 of the colony for roofing shingles. A shingle taken from one of the first-erected 

 houses in Perth (after 83 years' use) was found to be in a splendid state of 

 preservation. Bush fires have played havoc with this species, and it will only be 

 by a sound system of fire control that the future supplies of this valuable timber 

 can be assured. It grows scattered through the length and breadth of the jarrah 

 belt, but is not to be found in the drier regions. 



The bark is persistent, greyish, and deeply channelled longitudinally. 



The. fruits of the Sheoak are known as "Cones." These, in the case of Casuarina 

 Fraseriana are almost globular, about an inch in diameter, slightly flattened on top, 

 and the valves, or openings which let out the seeds are a light brown inside, and 

 open widely. 



