453 
Twenty-three years ago I received edible and non-edible Red Gum leaves 
(Eucalyptus rostrata) from Moulamein, absolutely identical, so far as I could see, with 
the labels from the same gentleman that sheep were fond of one and rejected the other. 
Here I may say that I do not for one moment believe that trees eaten and rejected 
by stock are morphologically identical. In other words, they require investigation 
by the botanist. 
Then from Marra Creek, via Nyngan, I received several specimens of twigs of 
" Box, Drooping Box, or Coolabah " (Eucalyptus bicolor A. Cunn.), with the following 
notes : (1) Sheep will not eat ; (2) sheep very fond of this ; (5) sheep will eat ; (6) sheep 
fond of this ; (8) sheep will not eat. The twigs are all from the same species, though 
doubtless from different trees, and were collected by Mr. A. W. Grigg, an esteemed 
correspondent. 
From Warena Run, Castlereagh River district, I received specimens of " Bimble 
Box " (Eucalyptus populifolia Hook, f.) from the same gentleman. They appear to be 
absolutely identical, yet (1) is labelled " Stock will eat "; (2) " Stock will eat, but do 
not care much for it " ; (3) " Stock will not eat." 
Discussing the matter with Mr. R. H. Cambage, that gentleman gave me the 
following example with regard to one of the She-oaks (Casuarina) of the interior : 
An old resident mentioned that a man had brought a team of bullocks a distance of over 100 miles, 
and, when camping, inquired from my informant what trees were good for feed. On being told that the 
Bdab. (Casuarina kpidophloia) was one of the best in this locality he thereupon cut down a number of 
branches, only to find his bullocks reject them. He therefore went further afield, and some time afterwards 
returned to say his bullocks had had a great blow-out on Bull Oak (Casuarina Luehmanni). When telling 
me of this, my informant appeared amused at the recollection, for it seemed to him that these travelling 
bullocks mast have had a queer palate to prefer Bull Oak to Belah, but the driver explained that they 
wore used to the former in their native district. 
I would cordially invite correspondence on the very interesting subject I have 
brought before my readers. 
In Part XLIV, p. 180, of this work, I give particulars as to the fodder value of 
the leaves of the Napunyah or Yapunyah (E. ochrophloia F.v.M.), which was certainly 
during droughty times on " the other side of Bourke " the means of saving the lives 
of sheep. An analysis of these leaves will there be found. 
Stock Chewing and otherwise Injuring Bark. 
Under Eucalyptus piperita at page 38, Part XXXIII, I have shown two 
remarkable photographs, and have given some details in regard to the very destructive 
work of cows barking fibrous -barked trees. 
A number of Stringybark trees (E. eugenioides Sieb.) in a paddock near the 
railway carriage washing sheds (between Strathfield and Homebush railway stations, 
near Sydney, going west) were healthy until some cows were turned into the paddock 
about 1910. I noticed the bark gradually eaten away in broad rings and the trees 
destroyed. It is important to bear this in mind. I do not know to what extent the 
larger herbivora bark trees. 
