25 
Botanical Name* — Acacia, already explained (see Part XV, p. 104) ; 
Cambagei, in honour of Richard Hind Cambage, Chief Mining Surveyor, New South 
Wales, an enthusiastic botanist. 
Vernacular Names.— The aboriginal name “ Gidgee ” is in almost universal 
use. It is also called “ Stinking Wattle.” 
The smell of the tree is abominable, and just before rain almost unbearable, 
and on this sigu people frequently foretell the approach of rain. I have heard of 
instances in which men who were employed in cutting down a tree of this species 
just before rain became so sick as to be compelled to leave the tree. 
Aboriginal Name. —“Gidgee.” Of this word there arc various spellings, 
such as “ Gidgea,” “ Gidgi,” “ Gidgy,” “ Gidia,” “ Gidya.” Originally spelt 
“ Gidgea,” which is nearer to the aboriginal pronunciation, but the universal 
pronunciation now is “ Gidgee.” 
Leaves.— Its evil-smelling foliage, particularly on the approach of rain, has 
already been referred to. It is of little or no value to the stock-owner, except 
perhaps for camel-feed. 
An analysis of the foliage by Mr. ¥. B. Guthrie will he found in the 
A 9 ricultural Gazette for October, 1899, under the name of “ Gidgea.” 
Water. 
Ash. 
j Fibre. 
Ether Extract 
(Oil, &e.). 
Albuminoids. 
Carbo¬ 
hydrates. 
Nutrient 
Value. 
Albuminoid 
ratio. 
Tannin 
(Oak-bark). 
41-03 
8-73 
22-59 
2*08 
7-31 
18-26 
20£ 
1 : 3 
2-0 
There is another Queensland Gidgee (Acacia Georgince, Bail.), also with a 
disagreeable odour. So far as I know, these are the only two Gidgees. 
The chief distinction between the two species is in the jiods and seeds. 
A. Georgina. 
Pods falcate or curved in a circle , Hat, marked 
with branched veins, | inch broad. 
Seeds transverse, very flat, surrounded by a narrow 
wing-like border, funicle thickened at the end, 
with one or two folds below. 
Small tree with a dense spreading head. Leaves 
shorter and proportionately broader than 
A. Cambagei. 
A. Cambagei. 
Pods flat, straight , veined, about 4 lines broad. 
Seeds, longitudinal ; funicle short, filiform, not 
folded nor dilated. 
Branches, pendulous. Leaves longer and propor¬ 
tionately narrower than in A. Georgina'. 
Timber.— 
Hard, close-grained, often interlocked, of a dark reddish or almost black colour. It is very durable, 
and Mr. R. II. Cambage records an instance of its having been used as fence posts for over thirty years — 
(R. T. Baker.) 
Tt is much used for fencing posts, and lasts well ; also a first-class firewood, being as good, if not 
better, than Mallee roots. The white ash is sometimes used for whitewash. It also makes good picture- 
frames and walking-sticks, especially if ringed.—fit. J. Dalton, Wanaaring.) 
