66 
We have been, of course, aware for many years how variable is the foliage of 
E. melanophloia, lanceolate-leaved forms being well known ; but the present form 
is different to any that I have previously seen. 
Although E. melanophloia is abundant in the district, Mr. de Benzeville 
reports that this form does not appear to grow in association with that species, but 
appears to be always associated with E. crebra. (See Part LIII of this work.) He 
also states that the timber is extremely brittle, and the bark is not furrowed as deeply 
as is usual with Ironbarks. The specimen forwarded to me shows a <?r?6ra-looking 
bark and timber apparently not abnormal, but Mr. de Benzeville doubtless speaks of 
its local reputation. This form, as far as general morphological characters go, is 
intermediate between E. melanophloia and E. crebra, and it may have arisen from 
cross-pollination, but that is surmise. 
Owing to changes of environment, it is very often the case that we have 
" breaks," and in the present case, we may have a break from E. melanophloia in the 
direction of narrower, more petiolate leaves, with other minor differences. 
Mr. de Benzeville's statement that " it does not appear to grow in association 
with E. melanophloia, but appears to be always associated with E. crebra" would 
seem to indicate that the plant is getting established as an independent entity, and 
being in unstable equilibrium itself, it may produce progeny still further departing 
from typical E. melanophloia. 
I do not think the departure from type in the present case has proceeded far 
enough for me to indicate a new species, but we certainly have indications of a new 
species in the making, and these aberrant forms can only be usefully dealt with in a 
collective manner. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 203. 
A. Sucker-leaf from Narrabri, New South Wales. 
B. Flowering twig from Bourke district, New South Wales. 
c. Fruit from Warialda, New South Wales, showing slightly exserted valves. 
D. Fruit from Stannary Hills, North Queensland. Valves not exserted. 
E. Lanceolate-leaved form from Warialda, the leaves showing short petioles. 
PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS. 
Eucalyptus melanophloia. Bogantungan (228 miles west of Rockhampton), Queensland. (2 yiews.) 
R. H. Cambage, photo. 
E. melanophloia. Barraba, N.S.W. Rev. H. M. R. Rupp, photo. 
E. melanophloia. Oravesend, on the Gwydir River, N.S.W. Rev. H. M. R. Rupp, photo. 
