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surface have properties different to a certain extent from those nearer the soil ; finally, at least in many 
cases, the transpiring surface of the tree is larger when compared with the corresponding surface of the 
ground than it is in the shrub or herb. 
What is essential to the existence of trees is the continuous presence of a supply of water within 
reach of the extremities of the roots, and therefore at a considerable depth in the soil. It is immaterial 
during what season this supply is renewed. In our treeless plains it is (usually) the case that the supply 
of water several feet below the surface is wanting, or at all events is too intermittent to permit the 
continued existence of tree-life. The winds are also an important factor, inasmuch as they agitate the air 
and greatly increase the transpiration of the leaves. The water transpired can only be drawn up from 
below, and finally a balance is reached between the efforts of the wind to dissipate the moisture of the 
leaves and those of the tree roots to keep up the supply. Thus the winds may result in the death of trees 
and of the tendency of the country to form plains or savannahs or steppes. 
The Belah prefers fairly good, slightly undulating, or rather flat land, liable 
to inundations. Following are notes by various observers, given in their own 
words:— 
The Belar chooses a red clayey loam, usually a flat covered with depressions known as crab-holes.— 
(Mr. Richard Bennett.) 
Mr. Baker, in contrasting “ Belah and Bull Oak,” quotes Mr. Cambage:— 
Belah is usually considered as an indication of dampness, probably low land subject to water in 
wet weather, and known as “ gilgai country,” from the numerous natural water basins which bear that 
name. 
Mueller writes about the habitat of C. lepidophloia :— 
Prope flumen, Murray River, in depressis locis aridioribus. 
These “ depressis locis ” are “ gilgais.” 
Mr. R. W. Peacock, writing in the Agricultural Gazette for 1899, p. 267, 
says :— 
It grows principally in wet country, surrounding gilgais, <fcc., 
which, indeed, has been a matter of common knowledge for many years. 
You will find Belah not only on the edges of plains but on flat, slightly undulating, country, 
covered with west country forest flora, such as Dogwood, Whitewood, Wilga, Mallee, Quandong, Mulga, 
Beefwood, Sandal-wood, (fee.—(H. V. Jackson.) 
Following are some localities for Belah, represented in the National 
Herbarium, Sydney :— 
New South Wales. 
Deniliquin (District Forester O. Wilshire); Balranald ; Gunbar, 50 miles 
from Hay, “Belah or Scrub Oak”; none within 20 or 30 miles from Hay 
(D. A. Wilson, Acting Forester) ; common near Moama (District Forester O. 
Wilshire); Wagga Wagga; Cootamundra; West of Grenfell (District Forester 
Osborn; J.H.M.); Cowra ; Forbes district (J. B. Donkin, R. H. Cambage); Con- 
dobolin (J.H.M.); on rich, dark, loamy soil, in the immediate neighbourhood of 
Myall and Salt-bush plains (R. Kidston, Condobolin); “between the Upper Bogan 
and Lachlan ” (Mr. L. Morton); Dandaloo, Bogan River (R. H. Cambage). This 
