12 EUCALYPTS IN FLORIDA. 



TOPOGRAPHY AND SOIL. 



Most of the eucalypts need protection from wind. Their rapid 

 growth and slender form make them especially subject to injuries 

 from this source. In this respect, Florida is less faYorably situated 

 than Australia, California, or Brazil, which possess mountain ranges. 

 Xowhere in Florida is the elevation more than 300 feet above sea 

 level. Moreover, this elevation is attained onlv in the interior of the 

 north and northwestern portions. Over two -fifths of the State lies 

 but little above sea level, and there are large areas of swamp and saw- 

 grass morass, of which the largest consolidated body is the Ever- 

 glades. This low, flat country is surrounded on three sides by sea. 

 This makes the climate almost insular and tends to lessen the ex- 

 tremes of temperature, but. at the same time, exposes the land to wind 

 on all sides. The probable damage to eucalyptus plantations from 

 wind will have to be taken into account and counteracted, either by 

 spacing closely or by staking the trees when they are young. 



The various species of eucalypts differ considerably in their soil 

 requirements. Most of them, however, can thrive on light, sandy 

 soils, provided they are deep and the water table is not too far from 

 the surface. From the fact that sandy soils predominate, except 

 in the Everglades, there are undoubtedly large areas which have a 

 soil suitable for the growth of eucalypts. The adaptability of the 

 different species to the various soils of Florida, such as coquina, 

 heavy marl, and peat, can be determined only by experiment. Where 

 the limestone rock is close to the surface, or where the sand is under- 

 laid at no great depth with hardpan, the eucalypts may fail entirely 

 or attain only a stunted growth. The hardpan, which is of fairly 

 common occurrence, consists of a substratum of clay or very fine sand, 

 the particles of which have been cemented together by deposits of 

 oxides of iron. It is well-nigh impervious to moisture, and ordi- 

 narily the roots of trees are unable to penetrate it unless it has been 

 previously broken up. Wherever this hardpan exists it is sure to 

 interfere more or less with the development of the trees; they will be 

 apt to form a flat, spreading root system, as shown by wind-thrown 

 pines in these localities. The timber now growing on the several 

 soils may serve as a general indication of their suitability for 

 eucalypts. 



In many places the ground water is very near the surface, and 

 while this will not be disadvantageous to some species it will not 

 prove beneficial to all. Some of them can not stand in water-soaked 

 soil. Therefore great care must be taken to avoid locating planta- 

 tions on situations where such adverse conditions exist. 



The only species, therefore, which can be safely tried in Florida 

 are either those which can adapt themselves to light, sandy soils, or 

 those which can stand superabundant soil moisture. 



