41 
Rosewood ( Dysoxylon Fraserianum, Benth.—see Parts XXIII and XXV of this work), Red Bean 
(Dysoxylon Muelleri, Benth.—see Part XXYII of this work), and Onion Wood (Owenia cepiodora, 
F.v.M.—see Part XXXI of this work). 
Are timbers of the cedar class, for which they can often be substituted. Rosewood can be supplied 
in the greatest abundance, and the other two in lesser quantities. All three are really valuable timbers. 
Blackwood ( Acacia melanoxylon, R.Br.—see Part XV of this work). 
This is a most useful timber for coachbuilders, in the bent-timber branch. It bends well, and with 
proper treatment from the felling and sawing of the lumber, it substitutes perfectly for the bent timber in, 
say, an Austrian chair, and would look as well, and feel as light. For narrow boards it is used in the 
coachbuilding trade in Sydney in place of American walnut, and it is taken for that timber when polished. 
It is, in Sydney, only one-third the price of American walnut, which is an inducement for people to use it. 
It would last indefinitely in dry situations. It is really valuable for panelling, and perhaps framing. 
Coachwood J^C eratopetalum apetalum, Don.—see Part VI of this work). 
This is a useful timber to the coachbuilder for placing in clean, dry situations. Under such 
circumstances, it is equal to English asb. Its weakness is its liability to rot when left in damp or dirty 
places near the bottoms of carriages, which are neglected and not kept clean. For very many years this 
timber has been in request for coachbuilding. An eminent coachbuilder informed me that “it is the 
grandest Australian timber for coachbuilding.” It is undoubtedly excellent for bodies, and a good 
all-round timber. 
White Cherry or Coachwood ( Schizomeria ovata, Don). 
This is a closely allied and very similar timber to ordinary coachwood ( Ceratopetalum ), for which 
it is sometimes substituted. It is an inferior substitute, but a good timber, nevertheless. 
Plum Wood or Acacia ( Eucrypliia Moorei, F.v.M.). 
The name Acacia is misleading, as it is not an Acacia at all. It is a nice timber, with close, tough 
grain, and cuts well. It is capable of high finish in painting. It is a good all-round timber for body¬ 
making, if it gets fair treatment as regards being kept clean. I am assured that it stands the weather, 
wet and dry, very well. 
In the Braidwood district this is rather extensively used, and much liked by coachbuilders for the 
framework and bodies of buggies, spring carts, <fcc. It is also used for shafts and poles, being considered 
elastic enough for that purpose. It has also been tried for felloes, but has been found not to answer for 
that purpose. It does not yet appear to have been tried for spokes and naves. 
Colonial Beech ( Gmelina Leichhardtii, F.v.M.—-see Part IX of this work). 
This is a very useful timber for panels and thin boards. It is pretty durable, but rather soft; but 
its softness is, in some instances, an advantage. Where extreme heat or moisture has to be considered, as 
in bakers’ carts, beech will be found to withstand such influences better than most timbers. It paints and 
polishes well, is very easily worked, and does not readily split. 
Brown or Bully Beech ( Tetranthera (Litscea) reticulata). 
Has a good deal in common with colonial beech, but has the advantage that when cut into short 
lengths it will stand nailing or screwing when many other timbers will go into splinters. It is not a strong 
timber. 
Colonial Pine ( Araucaria Cnnninghamii, Ait.—see Part XXXV of this work). 
Is not fit for first-class work. It is used in wheelwrights’ work on account of its cheapness. 
The quality, durability, and reliability of colonial hardwoods (chiefly species of Eucalyptus) is well 
known. For cart and wheelwright’s work there is no timber to approach them, though exception is taken 
to their weight. Put in such places as mentioned, no foreign timbers can approach them, viz. :—Ironbark 
and box for the naves of wheels and very heavy dray-shafts ; ironbark for spokes. Blue gum ( Eucalyptus 
saligna, Sm., see Part IV of this work) is one of the best timbers for wheelwrights’ body work ; it is 
tough, not bad to work, and always gives two good edges for paint. For the felloes of wheels it is the 
best timber we have ; the iron tyres seem to grip and adhere to them better than any other timber. 
