10 
are, therefore, unable to give a satisfactory explanation of it. The colouring of Red 
Ash, like the colouring of a meerschaum pipe, takes time, and this is, of course, a 
drawback. I know of no other New South Wales timber which has such a striking 
colour. Another drawback is, of course, its superficial nature. For instance, when 
used for furniture, if it be touched with a plane the pale-coloured timber is exposed, 
making the timber look patchy, until, after the lapse of months, the timber becomes 
of a uniform deep red colour. A slab of the wood which had been seasoned over 
twenty-five years (having been exhibited at the London International Exhibition of 
1SG2) lias a weight which corresponds to 53 lb. 5 oz. per cubic foot. 
Following are reports on this timber made by some New South Wales foresters 
a few years ago :— 
Used only in a small way here for staves. (Mr. Forester Martin, Gosford.) 
Timber pinkish, sometimes with beautiful figure, hard and tough and very lasting, even on exposure 
to the weather. The surface of the heart-wood turns quite red after short exposure to the sun. It is not 
very generally known. I have seen it used for ribs of vessels. I believe it to be excellent for coach¬ 
building, and generally well adapted for cabinet work. (Mr. Forester Rudder, Booral.) 
This is a very handsome timber, splits well, and is durable and tough. It makes good staves, axe- 
handles, etc., also palings, shingles, and besides, lasts well in the ground. It takes a very fine polish, and 
is often used for cabinet work, as it shrinks very little. It makes a good lining for a house. I have been 
shown a house twenty years old lined with this timber sawn green. The wood lias not shrunk, and is still 
sound. It has a pleasant smell when fresh cut. It is a splendid firewood. It was used by the aboriginals 
for light spears. (Mr. Forester Deverell, Glen Innes.) 
Mr. Walter Hill, of Queensland, says of it:— 
The wood is hard, close-grained, durable, and will take a high polish. It is suitable for gun 
stocks, and a variety of other purposes. 
Size. —Height, 40-80 feet; diameter, 20-30 inches, in the Gosford district. 
On the coast up to 2 feet in diameter; height, up to 60 or 70 feet; very exceptional up to 3 feet in 
diameter. (Mr. Forester Rudder.) 
Habitat. —Found iii the coast and mountain brushes from the Shoalliaven 
northwards from south to north of Queensland. In New South Wales the most 
westerly localities known to me are Boggabri (J.II.M.) and Attunga, 12 miles 
north-west of Tamworth (E. H. Cambage). These are both west of the Dividing 
Range ; it is usually found east. 
Following are some notes by foresters :— 
Not plentiful in my district; found only in brush forests on Jilliby, Wyong, and Mount Cook 
Creeks. (Mr. Forester Martin, Gosford.) 
Habitat east of Dividing Range, chiefly skirts of brushes, brushes bordering streams and water-courses, 
sometimes in the open on sandy lands ; in a dwarf form more on land on scrubby mountain tops and 
slopes. (Mr. Forester Rudder, Booral.) 
A plentiful scrub wood, Kempsey district. (Mr Forester Macdonald, Kempsey.) 
