1 Jan., 1900.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 49 
THE LEMON-SCENTED MYRTLE (BACKHOUSIA CITRIODORA, Foth.) 
Boranicat, Descrierion.—The Lemon-scented Myrtle is a medium-sized 
tree, with the young shoots slightly hoary, growing generally to a height of 
from 20 to 30 feet, with a diameter of from 6 to 12 inches. In fertile 
localities, however, it reaches to a much greater size, often attaining a height of 
from 50 to 60 and even 80 feet, with a diameter in proportion. 
Leaves.—The leaves are ovate lanceolate, from 3 to 5 inches in length, with 
the undersides hoary, and having a verbena-like fragrance. 
Flowers.—The flowers are small and numerous in umbel-like clusters. 
Fruit—tThe fruit is a capsule. 
VERNACULAR AND Screvtirr¢ Names.—The Lemon-scented Myrtle is so 
called from the lemon-like fragrance of its foliage. It is also known as the 
Satinwood, from its timber. The genericname, Backhousia, was applied to it by 
the British Botanists, Sir W. J. Hooker and W. H. Harvey, after James 
Backhouse, a Quaker missionary, who with G. W. Walker visited the Australian 
colonies in 1834-1886. The specific name, citriodora, was given to it by 
Baron Miieller from the fragrance of the foliage having a close resemblance to 
that of the Sweet Verbena (Lippia citriodora, Kunth.) 
Disrrisution.—The Lemon-scented Myrtle is found in scrubs in South 
‘Queensland, especially on the Maroochy and Pine Rivers, and also near Howard. 
Some of the finest and largest trees are found in the neighbourhood of 
Eumundi. 
Usr.—The Lemon-scented Myrtle yields a hard, close-grained, pinkish 
timber, useful for several purposes. 
The foliage is very rich in essential oil, having a lemon-like fragrance, and. 
is largely used in the manufacture of one of our most valuable essential oils. 
This tree is well worth cultivating for the fragrance of its foliage. 
TREE-PLANTING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 
Tue following paper was read at the Eleventh Congress of the Agricultural 
Bureau of South Australia by Mr. A. F. Noll (Quorn). The paper was entitled 
““Tree-planting inthe Far North.” We gladly publish suitable papers and 
articles on Australian forestry, convinced as we are of the very great importance 
attaching to the conservation of the forests of Queensland. When we have 
arrived at the point of realising what time is required for the production of 
even the quickest growing of our timber trees, then we shall, it is to be hoped, 
also realise the importance of such legislation as shall tend to the perpetuation 
of our timber supplies. That the Queensland Government is alive to the urgent 
need for action in this direction is evidenced by the fact that provision is made 
on the present Estimates for an Inspector of Forests, which we take to mean is 
merely a prelude to the formation of a Forestry Department which will take 
under its protection the still extensive forests of the colony. 
Mr. Noll says:—‘This is a most important subject, and one which has been 
before the public very frequently of late, and all the advantages accruing there- 
from were plainly pointed out, from its influence on the climate, its usefulness 
for shade and shelter for stock, the necessity of producing timber and firewood. 
to its beautifying the barren country. I will not attempt to introduce anything 
new, but my object is to encourage forest tree-planting in the far northern 
districts, where it is generally said that it is no use, as they will not grow. My 
own experience shows that such is not the case, as I have nearly 2,000 trees 
growing in an avenue of three rows along the road adjoining the park lands 
south of the town of Quorn, over a mile long, and in places on both sides of the 
road. The trees are of various ages, from seven years down to one year old, 
D 
