52 EUCALYPTS CULTIVATED IN THE UNITED STATES. 
the whole creation! Viewed in its marvelous height when standing forth in its 
fullest development on the slopes, or within glens of mountain forests, it represents 
probably the tallest of all trees of the globe; considered as a hard-wood tree of 
celerity in growth, it ranks among the very foremost; * * * and contemplated 
in respect to the yield of volatile oil from its copious foliage, it is unsurpassed and 
perhaps not equaled by any otner tree in the whole world. 
He speaks of recorded heights of over 400 feet and of diameters of 
18 to 35 feet. One tree furnished a log 220 feet long, 12 feet in 
diameter at the top, and 30 feet in diameter at the base—an immense 
stick of hard-wood timber! While claiming that this Kucalypt is the 
tallest tree in the world, Baron von Mueller admits that in respect to 
height combined with diameter ‘*it must cede the palm of superiority 
perhaps ” to the Sequoias of California. In most other countries out- 
side of Australia, this Kucalypt has not attained extraordinary heights; 
nor does its rate of growth prophesy great size. (Pl. X.) In the 
Southwest many other species grow more rapidly and have attained 
greater height since their introduction. 
The tree is a very variable one, the size and habit depending upon 
the soil and the climatic environment. The great heights mentioned 
are attained in cool, moist ravines. Baron von Mueller says that in 
more open country it is of much lower stature, in some cases being 
comparatively a dwarf. It is the latter form that is known as ‘** Pepper- 
mint Tree.” In the Southwest it is exceedingly variable, running into 
forms that are evidently worthy of varietal names. ‘The bark is also 
quite variable, being either rough and persistent or flaking off and 
leaving a smooth, yellowish surface. The trunk is fairly erect, but 
the small branches usually droop willow-fashion. The leaves are of 
medium size, varying from very narrow to lance-shaped. They are 
usually more or less curved. The narrow leaves are quite thick, the 
wider ones thinner. They are equally green on the two sides, and 
commonly have a distinct odor of peppermint when crushed. The 
flowers are small, in compact clusters of 8 to 15. The seed cases are 
small and nearly top-shaped. (See Pl. L.) | 
Climatic requirements.—The tree endures low temperatures, but is 
injured by dry heat. It does best near the coast and at moderate ele- 
vations in well-watered mountain regions. In no part of the South- 
west do the requirements seem fully met. / 
Uses.—The timber is not so valuable as that of many other Euca- 
lypts, but is said to be useful for shingles, rails, and for planking in 
ships. It is comparatively light, unlike many other Eucalypts, float- 
ing on water. It does not usually last well underground, nor does it 
furnish fuel of good quality. The leaves are a source of Eucalyptus 
oil. Baron von Mueller states that the fallen leaves of this and some 
other species deodorize the soil. He recommends the planting of it in 
swampy fever regions, where climatic conditions are suitable. 
