181 
9. E. maculata (Spotted Gum). 
As a honey plant I think Spotted Gum comes first (Forester Rudder, Booral). 
Most foresters speak very highly of it. " It blooms after Christmas, and yields a good 
light honey with, however, a cloudy appearance. It yields better around the Hunter 
River valley than it does on the North Coast. Very heavy crops are taken from it at 
times at the former place." (Shallard.) 
10. E. melliodora (Yellow Box). 
For notes as to honey yield, see Part IX, p. 195. This is a tree in regard to which 
petitions have been made to preserve it from felling or ringbarking, on the ground that 
it was more valuable to the country as a honey-yielder. Everybody speaks well of it. 
The Scotch like heather honey, which would not sell in Sydney at all well. One 
thing should be remembered which will have a big influence on our export trade, viz., 
that the English market does not judge honey by our standard. Our darker and 
stronger honeys are valued more there than our best western box, while here they are 
classed as seconds. (Shallard.) 
11. E. microcorys (Tallow- wood). 
Yields a good honey and blooms after Christmas. It is usually a fair yielder of a 
good light honey by light, I mean light amber. (Shallard.) 
12. E. microtheca (Coolabah). 
13. E. numerosa (River White Gum). 
14. E. obliqua (Broad-leaved Messmate). 
15. E. paniculate (Grey Ironbark). 
' Before it became diseased with the blight (an insect belonging to the Psyllidae) 
would be in bloom in December and January, but not every year." (S. T. Main, 
Krambach, Manning River district.) 
Probably confused a good deal with E. siderophloia. There are several Ironbarks, 
and until we know which species the reporters had in their minds, we do not know how to 
fit in the following reports : " Not considered a good honey plant on account of the 
dark colour and strong flavour of honey " (Forester Rotton, Picton). " Yields honey 
harsh to taste " (Forester Martin, Gosford). " Bees are very fond of this tree " (Forester 
Cobcroft, Singleton). ' Valuable as a honey plant " (Forester McGee, Narrabri). 
' This is the end of August and the Ironbarks and clover are just coming into 
bloom. These two produce beautiful honey, and the former are of the very greatest 
value to the apiarist ; their blooms come in very early and help brood rearing, and the 
different kinds continue in bloom nearly up to Christmas. They usually yield well, 
although all flora are subject to climatic conditions, which help or hinder honey secretion, 
and which produce for the apiarist a good or bad season. I have at times seen the bush 
literally white with bloom, but no honey in it, and no bees flying at all." (Shallard.) 
