70 EUCALYPTS CULTIVATED IN THE UNITED STATES. 
roots, but the roots of this species yield more than those of any other. 
They are dug out, cut in pieces, and the water expelled by blowing at 
one end. According to Baron von Mueller, the aborigines depend 
entirely upon this source for water in many of their hunting expeditions, 
and frequently white settlers have found it convenient to obtain water 
from the same source. The planting of these trees on the deserts of 
the Southwest might prove a useful means of saving the lives of those 
crossing them. 
Eucalyptus obliqua. 
MESSMATE. 
Characteristics.—This is a tall, straight-stemmed tree, sometimes — 
attaining a height of 300 feet in Australia, with a stem diameter of 
10 feet. The bark is fibrous and persistent on both the trunk and 
the branches, being of a somewhat grayish color. The leaves of the 
young trees are commonly broad (see Pl. LX XXYVII, c), but they 
become narrower as the tree increases in age. They are commonly 
somewhat thick and stiff, and are conspicuously unequally sided toward 
the base. The latter characteristic causes them to set in a particu- 
larly noticeable manner obliquely to the stem, hence the specific name 
obliqua. (See Pl. LXIX.) The medium-sized flowers are very short - 
stemmed, the stalks of the clusters being rather slender and slightly 
compressed. The shape of the mature seed cases is that of an egg 
with the smaller end cut away; or, in some cases, they are nearly 
hemispherical. 
Climatic requirements.—TVhis species grows fairly well at or near 
the coast, doing best, however, some distance inland, but it does not 
thrive in the dry, hot valleys of the interior. The fact that it extends 
well up into the mountains of Victoria and New South Wales, Aus: 
tralia, indicates that it is suitable for, and worthy of trial on, the 
lower mountains of the Southwest. It will thrive in light, barren soil, 
but does not endure severe drought. | 
Uses.—The timber of Hucalyptus obliqua is straight and easily split. 
In Australia this tree furnishes much of the hardwood lumber used 
for rough building purposes. It is also used extensively for fence 
rails, palings, and shingles. However, it does not last well under- 
ground. The bark has been used for paper making. 
Eucalyptus occidentalis. 
FLAT-TOPPED YATE. 
Characteristics.—Individuals of this species vary considerably in 
habit of growth. Frequently they are shrubby in form, several stems 
rising from one root and growing to a height of 10 to 30 feet. (PI. 
XXXII.) Under more favorable conditions they are more tree-like, 
