74 
dust in dry weather, owing to the large amount of acetic acid in 
this timber, will be found to be peculiarly painful and irritating 
to the eyes. 
7. Karri timber below water is DE useless, rotting very 
readily, and if used for wood pav nt in a damp climate like 
England, is foredoomed to f b "ibo the water is constantly 
swept off it. Used above water for structural S tod te en is, 
free from contact with the ground, its life see o be eternal, 
being practically impervious to ants and wo sie pes. prie so 
inflammable as Jarrah. For structural Dipin in large buildings 
I should regard it as quite equal to the best old seasoned English 
oa 
. There are other valuable woods, such as the Jam-wood 
(unrivalled for fencing) and Sandal-wood ; but the supply of both 
is limited, and of the latter almost exhausted by the demands of 
the Chinese market. 
. I am glad to be able to add, in conclusion, that we are having, 
80 far, an abundance of rain, and the agricultural prospects were 
never better. In view of the recent largely increased settlement 
disappointment to a large number of new settlers, who look to the 
next harvest to reap the first return they have had for their labour 
and capital. 
I have, &c., 
The Right Honourable (Signed) GERARD SMITH. 
J. Chamberlain, M.P, 
&c. 
&c. &c, 
ROYAL GARDENS, KEW, TO COLONIAL OFFICE. 
Royal Gardens, K 
Sep semp 20th, 1898. 
I HAVE the honour acknowledge the sn of your letter 
of inset 14th (17240), transmitting a despatch from the 
Governor of Western Australia, dealing prisoipedis with Jarrah 
and Karri timber. I propose to publish for general information 
in > FE Bulletin so much of the despatch as relates to this 
subje 
SIR 
he facts in our possession do not, however, entirely con- 
firm the rg of the ag as to the difference in the 
qualities of the two woods. — a memorandum on the 
subject from the Kop = the eased 
3. The Timber Museum of the Royal Gardens contains a 
magnificent log of Jerks) weighing nearly five tons, which was 
shown at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition. It also contains à 
log of Karri exposed between high and low ee in Western 
Australia for forty-two years, and still in good condit 
4. I enclose sopisi = the numbers of the Kew Bulletin, in 
which the use of Jarrah and Karri for wood-paving is discuss 
These would PE interest the Governor if transmitted to him. 
Iam, & 
(Signed) W. T. THISELTON-DYER. 
H. Bertram Cox, Esq., 
Colonial Office, Downing Street, S.W. 
