208 J. V. DE COQUE. 



The blue gum is found throughout the northern and southern 

 rivers as well as inland for miles, while the flooded gum seems to 

 flourish best on the northern rivers only, particularly in the 

 vicinity of Cape Hawke. 



The flooded gum is much lighter in weight than the blue gum 

 and floats in water in small sizes just beneath the surface, hence 

 the name floating gum, which is sometimes given to it. I am of 

 opinion that in furniture making, flooded gum will be found an 

 excellent substitute for red cedar, particularly for verandah posts, 

 table legs and similar work. I look upon it as a matter of great 

 importance to the architect that he should guard against using 

 flooded gum in general building work, particularly in positions 

 where it is called upon to take any strain whatever. 



Spotted Gum — (Eucalyptus maculata, Hook, f.) 



Derives its vernacular name owing to the spotted appearance 

 of its bark and is of all our hardwoods the most common in use 

 for general building purposes; for elasticity it is almost unequalled, 

 and is largely used on that account for spokes and shafts for 

 vehicles. This timber has a pretty wavy appearance in grain, 

 and is generally known by this peculiarity, but at least two varie- 

 ties of our white gums possess the same wavy appearance in the 

 grain. It is fairly free, though not entirely, from gum veins. 



A very wide difference of opinion exists regarding the value of 

 this timber for use in public works and general building purposes. 

 By some it is contended that it decays rapidly, and is referred to 

 as quite an inferior timber, on the other hand many people assert 

 that it is a good timber, and I have been shown specimens which 

 I was assured had lasted for twenty years in a house as posts. I 

 am very diffident about making any positive statements regarding 

 its merits, as large interests are involved in the spotted gum 

 industry in New South Wales, and the information I have gathered 

 is so conflicting that it is but just to all concerned that I should 

 write reservedly. 



