40 
Synonyms. — A. pterocarpa, F.v.M., in Proc. Linn. Soc., iii, 134; 
A. Laintreeana, F.v.M. 
Leaves.— 
Stock will eat the leaves when hard pushed.-—(C. J. McMaster, Western Lands Board.) 
It is cut extensively for sheep on some runs when nothing better is available. The phyllodia are 
woody and astringent, iny previous remarks about the effects of astringent vegetation upon ewes being 
most applicable to this tree. All that can be claimed for it is that it keeps stock alive.—(R. W. Peacock, 
Coolabah.) 
An acknowledged fodder tree. An immense number of trees have been cut down for fodder in the 
past. The greatest known drought has never had the slightest ill effect on the tree.—(E. F. Rogers, 
Forest Guard, Nyngan.) 
Bark ,—Mr. Ernest E. Rogers says the bark is a first-class tan. 
I asked Mr. Rogers to send a quantity of bark for analysis, which he did 
through Mr. C. Marriott, District Forester, Dubbo. I submitted the specimens to 
Mr. R. T. Baker, Curator of the Technological Museum, together with two skins 
of “ Flash Jack ” that Mr Rogers had tanned with Ironwood bark. Following is 
Mr. Baker’s reply : — 
With reference to your letter of the 13th June, the sample of the bark of Acacia excelsa from 
Nyngan has been analysed with the following results :— 
The sample was rugged and furrowed externally, more than half of the bark being of a corky 
substance. The average thickness of the whole bark was about half an inch, and the inner portion was 
somewhat fibrous. The extract from the corky layer was highly coloured, and poor in tannin. The 
tannins present in the bark are those of the wattles genei-ally, and they act quickly on hide. Although 
only of moderate value as a wattle bark, yet it might be utilised for tanning in localities where better bark 
is not readily available. 
Moisture 
Total extract 
Tannins 
Non-tannins 
10-30 per cent. 
16-82 
11-21 
5-61 
>> 
If calculated on an hydrous bark the amount of total extract would be 18-75 per cent. ; tannins, 
12-50 per cent., and non-tannins, 6‘25 per cent. 
I have submitted the two skins of “Flash Jack” (Kangaroo Rat, I presume), to Mr. Ludowici, 
who states that the tan is satisfactory, the colour being good—an opinion with which I am quite in accord 
as it much resembles that of the best English leather. 
One advantage of using a bark like Acacia excelsa , is that it checks the tanner from producing a 
red-coloured leather—the result of an excess of tannin. 
A Queensland correspondent informed me some years ago that a sample of 
this bark, analysed in London, yielded 16‘09 per cent, of tannin. 
Timber.— 
Hard, close-grained, interlocked, of a deep red or darkish colour, and possesses a beautiful figure, 
so that it is one of the most ornamental of our timbers.—(R. H. Cambage.) 
It is very hard to chop, but is of no use for fencing-posts or outside work, as it has only a few 
years’ life. It is a very good firewood, and splits well.—(R. J. Dalton, Wanaaring.) 
Used for mining purposes where great strength is required; it resists the action of sulphur in 
copper mines. It gives out great heat when green.—(E. F. Rogers.) 
The following refers to Queensland specimens :— 
The wood is hard, close-grained, and very tough and elastic. It possesses great beauty for cabinet¬ 
work, and has the odour of violets.—(Hill.) 
