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"Needle Bush." Grows in gregarious clumps about Elonera, Cobar and 
Kcrgunyali ; it prefers flat, damp soil. It has spikes of flowers fully half an inch 
long, and is often found with Yarran and Mulga. Attains the height of about 
12 feet (Archdeacon Haviland) ; Shuttleton. 6-10 feet (P. E. Lewis). 
"Punti" or " Bloodbush," Coolabah (C. J. McMaster). " Bloodbush " is 
also Cassia. 
About 6-10 feet Coolabah to Girilambone (J.H.F and J. L. Boorman) ; 
5 feet, Wilga Downs, near Nyngan (C. J. McMaster). 
"Sifting Bush," Nyngan (E. F. Rogers). "Sifting Bush" is also a name 
given to Cassiinia. It signifies "Straining busbj" a bush that arrests sand and 
rubbish. 
Phyllodes a little flattened, Lake Cudgellico (G. S. Home, J. L. Boorman) ; 
Palesthan, Condobolin (Miss Clements). 
Small trees about 8 feet. Wood hard, and possesses a pleasant smell. Stock 
will not cat its leaves. Ivanhoe, via Hay (K. H. Bennett, 1883.) 
The Wattle and National Sentiment. This is a Wattle largely developed in 
western New South Wales, and very beautiful in the clear dry air of the wide western 
plains. I do not say that this is the most beautiful species (I would give the palm to 
A. decora Reichb.,the western Silver Wattle see my remarks at Part XLV, page 98, 
of the present work), but I do say that if one desires to see Wattle in all its glory, 
in all its prodigal profusion an emblem of purity, typical of the potential wealth 
of this wonderful country then we must journey to the Avcstcrn plains. Just as in 
Western Australia special trains arc run to inspect the native flora (by which 
locally is meant the " Everlastings "), it will happen a very few generations hence that 
special trains will be run to see the Wattle, in order that our citizens may appreciate 
their OAvn native flora just as the Japanese artistic souls do theirs. I have 
travelled in many countries, but I do not call to my mind any plant which impressed 
me more than the Wattle, blaze of pure gold (hardly a leaf to be seen), and miles 
of it. The Australian Coat of Arms bears sprays of Wattle at the bottom of the 
shield. 
I rcpublish three documents which may be of interest in this connection : 
i 
1. WATTLE DAY. 
(THE ORIGINAL MANIFESTO.) 
WITH a view of stimulating Australian national sentiment, and connecting it with love of our beautiful 
flora, we suggest the desirability of setting apart, throughout the Commonwealth, a day on which an 
Australian national flower the Wattle Blossom might be worn, and its display encouraged. 
Wattles might also be sown and planted on this day. 
It is suggested that a date in September would be universally suitable, but we do not propose that 
it be a holiday. 
It will be necessary to communicate with public bodies and private individuals in the other States 
in regard to the proposal, and to arrange matters of detail, so that (if approved) the first Wattle Day could 
be celebrated in 1910. 
D 
