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Anacakdiace^e. 
See my paper in the Agricultural Gazette, N.S.JV., for February, 1909, 
“ The Poison Ivy ( Rhus radicans) and its close relations.” I do not wish to draw 
especial attention to this plant at this place, for I am dealing mainly with timbers, 
but Dr. Poxworthy (toe. cit.) has shown that in the Philippines the timbers of some 
Anacardiaceoe are undoubtedly irritant:— 
The principal poisonous woods of this part of the world are a few Anacardiacece, which cause a skin 
irritation similar to that produced by the “ Poison Ivy and “ Poison Oak ( Rhus spp .) of temperate regions. 
These woods are produced by species of Gluta, Holigarna, Melanorrhcea, Semecarpus, and Swintonia ; and 
they are usually known by the name of “ ringhas ” in the Malay region. 
When seasoned, the wood is much less likely to cause poisoning than when fresh. The seriousness 
of such poisoning is often exaggerated, and many persons are entirely immune to this class of poisoning. 
LEGUMINOS.E. 
Caslanospermum australe, A. Cunn. (the “ Black Beau ”).—This well-known 
furniture timber of New South Wales and Queensland has, like the Red Bean 
(Vysoxylon Muellcri), been accused of injuriously affecting the health of workmen. 
Myjrtaceje. 
Eucalyptus macidata, Hook, (the “ Spotted Gum”).—In parts of Queensland, 
timber-getters and sawyers who handle Spotted Gum are sometimes affected with a 
rash, called “ Spotted Gum rash.” I asked a number of timber experts : “ Do you 
know any district in which this skin complaint prevails, and can you furnish any 
particulars in regard to it ?” 
Most questionees never heard of it, but Mr. A. Vogele, Mt. Douglas, Paterson, 
N.S.W., reports:—“Spotted Gum rash prevails here. Some are affected more 
than others. One of my neighbours who worked with me in the bush for years, felt 
its influence if only working beside a Spotted Gum; to work one up was out of 
the question. If persisting in doing so he would itch, and afterwards break out in 
pimples. Every occasion he got affected more; at length he had to sell his selection 
on account of it. 
Eucalyptus hemiphloia, P.v.M. (“ White or Grey Gum”).—I have heard on one 
occasion of this timber causing a rash in a man, or at least of a rash being attributed 
to this timber. 
Nor is this irritation confined to Eastern Australia. 
Eucalyptus marginata, Sm. (probably). 
Port Hedland, January 26, 1910. 
The steamer “ Gorgon ” arrived here yesterday, but the union lumpers refused to work under the rates 
asked for. 
The union’s principal reason for asking for an increase in the wage previously given is that the 
poison on sleepers inflames their flesh wherever it touches them, their hands, arms, and faces swelling up. 
When the stuff is dry matters are worse, as it gets on their bodies, and men have had to lay up in 
consequence.—Extract from Western Mail, Perth, Wpst Australia, 29th January, 1910. 
