120 
3. Following is an early account, by Mr. R. C. Gunn, which would be about 1842, 
and doubtless formed the basis of Sir W. J. Hooker's, and his son's, Dr. J. D. Hooker's, 
remarks. 
The shepherds and stockmen Cut with an axe into the tree about 5 or 6 inches, inclining the cut 
downwards so as to hold about a pint. The sap flows into this hole from above and below, and when first 
made fills at least once a day, but later in the season yields less, and ceases altogether. The sap is drunk 
as it conies from the tree. Some trees yield sap of a very thin consistency and slightly acid : others again 
yield a sweeter, and as thick as syrup. 
The effect at first to many who drink it is slightly aperient, but it ceases afterwards. 
4. Shortly afterwards we have the following account, for which the author 
appears to be indebted to Gunn, although he does not say so. 
On the Western Range there is a species of the Eucalyptus called the Cider Tree. The shepherds 
and stock-keepers who tend the flocks and herds on that elevated region are in the habit of making deep 
incisions wherever an exudation of the sap is perceived upon the bark. The holes are made in such a manner 
as to retain the sap that flows into them, and large enough to hold a pint. Each tree yields from half a pint 
to a pint daily during December and January ; but the quantity lessens in February, and soon after ceases. 
The cider, or sap of the tree, has an agreeable sub-acid taste, and sometimes is of considerable 
consistency. It is said to have an aperient effect on those who drink much of it. 
(Excursion to the Western Range, Tasmania. By W. H. Breton, Lieut. R.N., in 
' Tasmanian Journal of Natural Science," Vol. 2, p. 140, 1846.) 
5. Speaking of Tasinanian plants, Daniel Bunce (copying Ross, " Hobart Town 
Almanack" for 1830, p. 119, although he does not mention it), says : 
Of the trees also belonging to this order, were many of the Eucalyptus resinifera [Gunnii is meant. 
J.H.M.] or cider tree of the lakes. This tree, at certain seasons, yields a quantity of slightly saccharine 
liquor, resembling treacle, which the stock-keepers were in the habit of extracting, and using as a kind of 
drink. The natives had also a method, at the proper season, of grinding holes in the tree, from which the 
sweet juice flowed plentifully, and was collected in a hole at the bottom, near the root of the tree. These 
holes were kept covered over with a flat stone, apparently for the purpose of preventing birds and animals 
coming to drink it. When allowed to remain any length of time, it ferments and settles into a coarse 
sort of wine or cider, rather intoxicating if drunk to excess. (Australatic Reminiscences, p. 47, 1857.) 
6. Coming to other species of Eucalyptus with " cider," in Part XXVII, p. 126, 
of my " Critical Revision of the genus Eucalyptus" there is a reference to E. maculosa 
R. T. Baker being affected by a yellow-coloured lerp; whether edible or not is not 
stated. Also the species (called by Mr. Baker E. lactea on that account) " exudes a 
whitish substance, called by the settlers ' buttermilk.' " Perhaps this is a sweetish 
sap, allied to the " cider " of E. Gunnii, but the statement is not clear. E. maculosa 
(lactea) is allied to E. Gunnii. 
7. Mueller (" Eucalyptographia," under E. viminalis) says: " In all probability 
the sugary substance in the sap of E. Gunnii, and particularly in E. corynocalyx 
(cladocalyx), would prove large also, though it seems not to become at any time 
concreted and exsiccated into firm masses." 
8. Mueller (" Eucalyptographia ") says that from cuts in the stem of Eucalyptus 
Raveretiana an acidulous, almost colourless, liquid exudes in considerable quantity, in 
which respect the species resembles E. Gunnii. 
