65 
The latest information I have on the subject is as follows ~ 
We do not know of any butter factories in New South Wales that are using local or Queensland 
timbers in butter-boxes. 
The same trouble of years ago exists to day,—that is, boxes from our Pine impart a strong woody or 
unpleasant flavour to the butter packed in them. The same remarks apply to New Zealand White 
Pine that has not been properly seasoned, and in this respect we have had a great deal of trouble lately.— 
(The Manager, N.S.W, Fresh Food and Ice Co., Ltd , Sydney, in letter to me dated 23rd September, 1908.) 
Pine Knots .—When a Pine-tree decays in the forest, it often gives indication 
that a tree once existed by the presence of a number of club-shaped pieces of wood 
1 to 2 feet long, tapering at one end, and more or less hollow, and having the 
appearance of a fracture at the other. These are what are known as “ pine knots,” and 
are the bases of the branches, which penetrate a considerable distance into the trunk. 
No doubt they owe their durability to the large percentage of resin they contain. 
In the Richmond River district carters collect them wherever possible, and sell them 
for firewood, as they fetch 2s. per load more than teak (Flindersia australis), 
which is considered the best fuel timber of the district. It is a pity, however, to 
put pine knots to such a vulgar use, as the wood is of a most ornamental character. . 
In cross-section it is very ornamental, and in longitudinal section strikingly so. It 
is dark coloured, of various shades of brown, and usually shows a most beautiful 
figure. It is an ideal substance for small articles of turnery, such as pencil and 
needle cases, rulers, &c., and small objects, such as flat-rulers, may be suitably 
made from it. A drawback to pine-knot wood is its brittleness. I think that if 
pine-knots were better known (and very few people even in this State seem to have 
heard of them), an increased demand would spring up for them, and they might form 
the basis of a minor industry, much in the same way that small articles are made of 
bog-oak, in Ireland. The substance turns just like bone, and comes quite polished 
from the tool. 
An allied species, A. excelsa (“ Norfolk Island Pine”), sometimes has knots of 
enormous size. Mr. Holtzapfel (Turning and Mechanical Manipulation, i, 37) had 
portions of one which attained the enormous size of about 4 feet long, and 4 to 
6 inches diameter. “ In substance it is very compact and solid, of a semi-transparent 
hazel-brown, and it may be cut almost as well as ivory, and with the same tools, 
either into screws, or with eccentric or drilled work, etc, ; it is an exceedingly 
appropriate material for ornamental turning.” 
Exudation.—This Pine plentifully exudes a gum-rosin which, when fresh, is 
of the consistency and colour of cream. It takes a considerable time to harden, 
remaining stioky for a long time. It becomes more yellowish on keeping. A con¬ 
venient way to collect a quantity would be to follow tho timber-getters a fow days 
after they have cut down those trees, as, for the greater part of the year, gum-resiu 
may be found exuding at the cut ends. The cconomio applications of this resin nro 
very limited at present. I have heard of an alcholic solution having been used in 
B 
