THE TIMBERS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 209 



The spotted gum of the southern rivers is much superior to that 

 growing elsewhere throughout the Colony. I shall content myself 

 by stating that I deem it advisable to suggest not to utilize the 

 spotted gum of New South Wales, particularly for exporting, 

 until definite information regarding its durability is made avail- 

 able. 



Blackbutt — (Eucalyptus jrilularis, Sm.) 



This timber is best known of all our hardwoods in the Sydney 

 market, and is generally distinguished by its gum veins which 

 show in the log in concentric rings. It cannot however be 

 recognized by this feature alone, as many other timbers carry gum 

 veins, and in the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie districts it 

 grows to maturity absolutely free of gum in many instances, and 

 is supplied as tallow wood, which it closely resembles in colour. 

 It is without doubt a first-class timber and deserves its popularity 

 among architects for general building purposes. Except in deck- 

 ing it is rarely used in the erection of bridges owing to its 

 disposition to crack and open, particularly in square girders. It 

 is subject to pinholes, particularly in the fully matured timber. I 

 have referred to the ravages of this insect in the notes on tallow 

 wood. The northern blackbutt is much superior to the southern 

 timber, it being cleaner and closer in grain, less gummy and more 

 durable. 



Turpentine — ( Syncarpia laurifolia, Ten.) 



Regarding the merits of this timber there is a wide 'difference 

 of opinion. It is extensively used for piles, particularly in rivers 

 and harbours infested with cobra. I have heard most conflicting 

 statements as to its durability as well as its resistance to the pest. 

 I have been shown piles years in the water untouched and 

 uninjured, but I have also seen them in the same structure riddled. 

 Some authorities persist in their contention that cobra will never 

 attack true turpentine, and when confronted with a cobra-eaten 

 piece, assert that the timber is a bastard variety. I have taken 

 no little trouble to find out the true merits of this timber, and 



N— August 1, 1894. 



