120 
MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS OF EUCALYPTS. 
MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS IN NATURAL FORESTS. 
Some of the species of Eucalyptus when they can enjoy good roothold, 
shelter from violent winds, abundant moisture, and a long period of life, attain 
dimensions in both height and girth that place them high up amongst the world’s 
tree giants. The tallest grower is Euc. r eg nans. This name is expressive of 
royalty and preeminence, and anyone who has seen the E. regnans forests will 
admit that it is worthily borne. Botanists, surveyors, woodmen, and visitors from 
over the seas have all been roused to enthusiasm by this tallest of the eucalypts. 
Special trees have from time to time been selected for notice and report; and where 
the truth was so wonderful we ought not to be surprised if we sometimes find 
reason to suspect exaggeration in the records. 
E. regnans reached its optimum in Gippsland, Victoria. It was in Victoria that 
t ie reports about phenomenally tall trees originated. Very generally the tallest 
trees were densely surrounded with other trees. Often they were in deep gullies 
anvec y steep hills. To measure the height of a tall standing tree is possible 
on y by triangulation. The apex of the tree must be sighted from a position 
w ence a base line can be measured to the bottom of the stem. In an open 
.situation this is easy; in a dense forest with uneven ground, extremely difficult. 
ie apex of the tree may he clearly visible half a mile or more away but wholly 
o scuie 10 m all near points. The most skilful engineer with his instruments 
may under such circumstances find himself baffled. The best he can do is to form 
an estimate of the tree’s height from such observations as are possible. The 
measurement of even a fallen tree in a tangled forest is by no means an easy 
task tor a single person And the people who felled trees in the early days were 
interested m total heights. They were after the logs for splitting or sawing. 
In these conditions there was constant temptation to make finesses and 
estates, and to publish them as if they had been verified. It is unfortunate that 
the distinguished name ot Baron von Mueller is associated with some of the 
reports; but we must remember that the Baron was a very busy man and that lie 
statement™ otterT meaSUre<1 ^ ^ He aCCC P ted and trusted the 
In the matter of these tall tree measurements we do not find firm around 
un il we come to 1888. That was the year in which was held the Centennial 
International Exhibition in Melbourne. An intense and wide-spread interest had 
been awakened m the natural products of all Australia and of Victoria in 
particular. The current reports about surpassingly tall trees had come under 
suspicion and mistrust. A number of gentlemen in Melbourne determined to have 
e forests searched and the whole question put on a better footing. Expenses 
were guaranteed to the amount of £600. A skilled civil engineer who was also a 
H? P iuT a ? her ;., and a " ex P erlenced surveyor, were engaged to undertake the 
task. All the localities with any especial reputation for tall trees were visited The 
tiees selected for measurement were carefully located and photographed, so that 
results might be verified by other observers. Measurements were " obtained of 
o al heights and of girths six feet above the level of the ground. The report of 
the experts was presented to a committee in Melbourne, printed in atlas form'and 
