TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM. SYDNEY.^

G A B:1ME:T TIMB E RS

AUSTRALIA.

R. T. OAKER, F,L..S., &c., Curator.

/

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2010 with funding from

University of British Columbia Library

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DEPARTMENT 0¥ PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

fHiuistrr :
The Hon. A. C. CARMICHAEL, M.L.A.

Outiri $cfirtaiu :
PETER BOARD, Esq., M.A.

*9474-A

•♦• TECHNICAL EDUCATION SERIES, No. 18.
-:^^-^\^ .

TECMNIfAL EDIirATION RRANCH

J. W. TURNER, Superlnlendenl.

TECHNOLOGICAL ^^ MUSEUM, SYDNEY.

e=:

CABINET TIMBERS

OF

AUSTRALIA.

1913.

- BY —

R. T.

BAKER,

F.L.S.

Corr. Me

mb. Phar Soc. Gre

at Britain.

Curfitor and Economic Botan

1st.

~^yl^ ^\jP ~-~5^^

Published by the Authority of the Government of the State of N.S.W.

l^fje ^Passing; of tije Jf ores^t.

Kf'fe'/? is Ihe axe, the rushing fire streams bright,
Clear, beautiful and fierce it speeds for man.

The Master, set to change and stern to smile.
Bronzed pioneer of nations. Ay. but scan

The ruined beauty wasted in a night.
The blackened wonder God alone could plan.

And build not twice ! A bitter price to pay

Is this for progress beauty swept away.

W. p. Reel)

it u-a- in iiu- lUMiiiiiiounujii 1 ui \\ lun-oi - in. i uiukiMmry liiat tilt- nrst Cabinet Timber
of Australia was obtained, viz., " RoJ Cedar,' and this is probably th-s house - erected
about 1796 — in which it was first used. The floors, skirtings, mantelpieces, doors, windows,
and even the weatherboards were made of this timber and these are all in a good state of
pres-rvation to-day, T913.

Contents.

1. Introduction

2. Preface ...

3. Cabinet Timbers OF AUSTR.A.LIA-..

4. List of Timbers, arranged in Botanicai Sequence

5. List of Illustrations of Timbers in Natural Colours

6. List of Illustrations in Black and White, showing how some of the various Timbers

ARE utilised

Description of each individual Timber, Botanv of the Tree, and its Geographical Range

8. Suggested Uses for Australian Cabinet Timbers

9. Types of Si'ecific Gravity ... ...

Summary of data concerning each Species
Index

PAGE.

7-8

9
10-15
16-17

18-19

20-23
24-173

174-177

178

179-182

183-186

1 . Introduction.

\\\\ WW. MlMSTER en-' PrUMf IXSTRCI'TION.)

Till-! iL'sthclic and utilitarian purposes to wliich t)ur nati\c tinil)ers IlmicI themsehcs have been emphasised
in man\- directions in the past, hut the special adaptation of a section of them for cabinet work is
now conclusi\el\' shown In Mr. K. T. Baker in this publication.

As he mentions, it did not take the first settlers long to find out and appreciate such a valuable
cabinet timber as our " Red Cedar," the history of which he has traced back to practically the foundation of
the Coloin . Such a valuable timber as this should not be lost sight of in the reafforestation now about to
be undertaken bv the Forestry Department of this State, for after one hundred years it still ranks as a
first-class cabinet timber.

The colour, figure, and other characteristics here portrayed of the \arious species, bv colour
photographx', will no doubt come as a revelation to all who are not intimately acquainted with the timbers
themselves; and these coloured illustrations speak louder than words, and at the same time demand that
action should no longer be delaved in the culture of such fine specimens of the cabinet-maker's desiderata.

Such a technical work as this shows without doubt that our forest trees are worthv of more attention
than has been given them in the past, and that they deserve to be still better known in the future.

The late Baron \on Mueller, the greatest student of the great .'Xustralian genus Hucalyptus, never
tired of singing the praises of the trees of that genus, for their technological \alue, but in no instance is
there a record where he predicted their utilisation for cabinet work, and yet here .Mr. Baker graphically
demonstrates that several species are indeed well adapted for this special handicraft.

In one particular group of Eucalyptus — the Stringybarks — it has passed the experimental stage, and
is now a fait accompli, for in Tasmania and Sydney some fine samples of the cabinet-maker's art made
from these trees are being placed on the market. Facts like these should bring home to the Australian the
value of our timbers, and inculcate a higher appreciation of their virtue than perhaps we have been prepared
to assign to them in the past.

Apart from the cabinet-maker, these illustrations will undoubtedly serve another \erv useful purpose,
for I am sure the technical students of the various branches of decorative art of to-dav and the future will
use this work for reference, for there they will find ready to hand and true to life, the natural colour and
graining of our Australian timbers.

The purpose of this work Is primarily to give information to the trade concerning the specific
characteristics of respective woods that may be classed as cabinet ; also to show to the timber merchant the
approximate localitv where the trees are to be found, and for his field guidance a botanical description of
each is added.

I think it will be admitted that by the bringing together of such data. Technical Education in \ew
South Wales has placed the cabinet world, and others interested in the subject, under an obligation ;
and I have little doubt but that the effort of Mr. Baker will be generally appreciated, as will also that
of the Government Printer and his staff, who have executed this technical work in the highest class of
printer's art.

CAMPBELL CARMICHAEL.

2. T* re face.

IK %

Si;\'i:i<.\i. factors were inslruinental in brinti^ing about the wriiing o\ this pLibhcation, and not tlie least
important of these is a desire to produce amongst Aiistrahans a higher appreciation of their own native
timbers in this one particular branch of Technology, viz., cabinet work and its allied trades. Another
was that some of these beautiful woods, owing to the rapid advance of the settler, are in jeopardy of being
exterminated altogether, and that by bringing these in this form before the commercial world, it is hoped
the various Forestry Departments of tlie Commonwealth may be moved to set apart reserves for their
reafforestation before it is too late.

To the students of our Technical Colleges it will supply a desideratum by giving a new Held of work
from whicii to reproduce the graining of Australian woods instead o\ the old world's limbers copied now
for gene rati oils.

As it is, I often look at these timbers and wonder if they will not shortly become as dead as the Dodo,
but still I hope their conservation is now near at hand. As far as I am aware, no pre\iouslv published work
is devoted entirely to the subject, nor have coloured illustrations of our timbers been attempted before.

That our cabinet-makers might be moved to take a greater interest in such a valuable national asset,
by utilising in a greater measure in the future than has been the custom in the past, also plaved no small part
in its preparation.

At any rate, its publication will, 1 hope, serve at least asanotlier historical record of the \aried and
\aluable resources of Australia's wonderful forests.

R.T.B.
i9'2- ______^

ACKXO\Vl.i;i)C..MI-:\T.

To the following officers of the Museum my thanks are due for assistance rendered in the
preparation of this work: — Messrs. C. Still, 1). Cannon, and L. G. Irby.

3. Cabinet Timbers of Hustralia.

Xatukk, as in main- other directions, has not been nig-gardiv as regards its endowment of beautiful and
decorative timbers in this Island Continent of ours, for it is almost impossible to make even a modest
collection of woods without the ornamental character of one or other of them appealing to ilie artistic eye.

This Institution has alwavs made a prominent feature of the timber resources of Australia in
particular, and the world in general, so that to-dav it probablv has onl\- one ri\'al in its comprehensiveness,
viz., that of the Ro\-al Botanic Gardens, Kew, England.

The Australian samples here date a long wa\- back in colonial histor\', tor some ol the specimens were
exhibited at the Great International Exhibition of 1S51, at Paris 1S55, London 1S62, and some of even earlier
date than this in local exhibitions, whilst others have a history going- back almost from the foundation
of the Colonv. Manv of these specimens were for long scattered amongst the \arious Government
Departments in Sydne\-, but about ]iS82 they were brought together, and so was laid the foundation for
this extensive collection.

Xaturalh-, such a collection, which numbers not less than 5,000, di\'ides itself into groups of
various branches of economics. Xot the least amongst these is the section devoted to cabinet and
ornamental timbers, and it is in the interest of these that the present work has been undertaken.

.Some of the specimens in this category rival those of other countries tor figure, grain, weight,
texture, and for general decorative purposes, and are unique in many other respects. Thus, whilst these
qualities are claimed for them in general, yet it may also be said that they possess characteristic features
that distinguish them as Australian.

l-'orcinost ainoiii^M sucli liinhcis is perhaps the " i\ci.l Cedar," Cnircln Toomi, which lias extended its
range soulh iVoin liie Malav I'cniiisula inlii Oueenslaiid and New South Wales. Taken all in all, it is
considered ihe best all-nnind limber in Ausiralia, and is still in great demand forcouniers and internal wood-
work i^lecoraiion, alliunigh in recent \ears, for fiirniliire making it has goneont of fashion, it was probably
the \er\- first limber to which cabinet-makers' aitcntion was seriously drawn at the inception of the trade in
the earlv davs of the L'olon\-. Tlie tirst mention ^^\ it in the Historical Kecords is by Collins, vol. i. p. 412,
who states that the master of the ship " fancy," Captain Dell, took to England logs of cedar from the
Ilawkesburv l\i\er in 171)3. Imoiii then onwards other similarly beautiful timbers were brought to
light, as the coastal brush districts north and soiuh o'. I'ort Jackson were openetl up. Then followed
settlement in other Stales, and so new decorati\e timbers came to he known, and to the.se have been added
from time to time a few from the interior ; but it must be admitted that the typical .Australian l-'lora ot
those parts is rather wanting in iM-namenlal woods— at least, produces only a limited number.

It is well known that we possess such beautiful woods like Blackwood, .Maples (O., Tas., and
X.S.W'.), Silkv Oak, Walnut, Red Bean, Jarrah, and many others, which are all lirst-class limbers for this
particular industrv.

.\t the present lime the fashion is " Oak," and so large (.luantities ^^i Jap mese •' Oak " (sii) are being-
used in the furniture trade as a rival to English Oak, which it resembles in hgure, but is consider-
ably lighter in weight and more open in texture. Although Australia has no true Oak o\ the Ouercus
familv, vet it may be mentioned rii passaiil, that there is here an extensive supply of so-called nati\e Oaks
in our Casuarinas, which extend over a great part of the Continent. With the exception of " Belah " the.se
trees have a figure quite like the English Oaks, and are of equal hardness, but show a slight variation of
colour through the different species, ranging from a true Oak colour to a deep red, or almost black. There
seems no reason whv these .Australian Oaks should not command a premier position as an ornamental,
decorative, and furniture timber, as they possess all the desiderata such as supply, relative cheapness,
and capabilil\- of sustaining a high polish, combined with a beauty in figure.

W'itli our Eucalyptus (gum trees) little lias been done to test their qualities in this line, althoug-h one
of the first common names applied to them was in connection with cabinet nomenclature, viz.,
" Mahogany," — this designation being bestowed upon Eucalyptus resuuyera, Sm., by the first settlers at
Port Jackson, where it was then a common tree. Later, however, it was found that there were other trees
far more deserving the appellation as they more nearly approached in colour and texture the original
Mahogany, Siviefcina Mahogaiit from Honduras. Western Australians and Tasmanians, however, are
losing no opportunity of bringing their beautiful Eucalyptus timbers before the British public, ior at the
Imperial Institute there is exhibited some fine suites of furniture and other samples of the cabinet-makers'
art in Karri and Jarrah, and these are an object lesson to the other States in the matter of a better
utilisation of some of the Eucalypts in this direction. Our Red Boxes, Red Gums, Slaty Gum, and others
are very suitable for special lines of this branch of technology.

Before leaving the Eucalypts, a word must be said in praise of our much despised " Stringybarks "
for cabinet work, for it is in them that Australia has an excellent substitute for the imported " Oaks," and
what is of great importance, the supply is unlimited for many years to come.

For the utilisation of "Stringybarks" in Applied Art, credit must be given to the Tasmanian,
for in his Island home one finds the "Stringybarks' largely manufactured into furniture, office fittings,
church fittings and decoration, wood-carving, panellings, and various other forms of decorative art.

For this class of work these have a particularly attractive and pleasing appearance, the two species
specially selected being E. Dclcgaieiisis and E. dhliijna : the former for preference, as it prepares well and
makes vcrv attractive articles of an " Oak " colour. Both these species occur on the mainland as well as in
Tasmania, and altogether there are something like twenty species of ".Stringybarks" — none of which
appears ever to have been used in this direction, so here is a big field of investigation for our cabinet-
makers. Thousands of " Stringybarks " have been cut down and destroyed in the past as worthless. I
regard the introduction here of the " Stringybarks " as a cabinet timber as one of the salient points in this
work, for apart from other considerations the supply is apparently inexhaustible.

I-Acii Ironbark has been utilised for decoration in ilie past, for the late John Macarthur, Esq.,
introduced some large fluted columns of this timber in the ornamentation of the Reception or Ball Room ai
Camden Park House, erected in 18,^4.

With the usual cabinet timbers becoming' scarce, our " Stringvbarks " should no longer be neglected
in this connection.

Some ol the larger " Tea trees " are also good timber for tiiis purpose, as well as one or two of the
Angophoras — " Apple Trees."

Amongst soft timbers our Pines or Conifers are deser\ing of consideration, for, as can be seen bv the
illustrations here given, they possess some good qualities for cabinet work. Queensland Kauri, Brown
l'*ine, Iving William Pine, Huon Pine, Sec, are beautiful timbers of their kind, and for figure the Callitris
are elegant.

In addition to the above, mention must be made of Tasmania's contribution to Australia's cabinet
woods, for besides Blackwood, King William Pine, Huon Pine, and Celery Top Pine, &c., already
noted, the first also occurring on the mainland, such timbers as Red Myrtle, Leatherwood, and String\'-
bark are a considerable acquisition to our valuable timbers.

In order to show the adaptabilitv of our woods and /ynur encourage Ics aufrcs several Government
Offices in the various States are decorated with Australian Timbers, whilst Banks, Commercial Institutions,
and private houses e.xhibit samples of them in Applied Art, and in this Museum are shown specimens of
locally manufactured articles from some of these timbers. The New South Wales Government Railway
Workshops are at present turning out railway passenger carriages made almost entirely of Australian
timbers, the whole either polished or varnished, in order to bring out the natural graining and figure, and
the effect is most beautiful. These carriages as they leave the shops are real works of art.

Those here given by no means exhaust the list of Australia's cabinet timbers, but are those
concerning which most data are available.

-.^

As regards the nomenclature of our cabinet timbers, our settlers were first in llic field in bestowing
x'ernacular names, and it is too late to alter them now, so a little care must be exercised when applying
the common names, which however are a little nearer the mark than many conferred on our gum trees,
for when one mentions Maple, Myrtle, Sycamore, or W^alnut, the wood referred to will generally be found
to possess some of the features of these exotic woods. On the other hand, in the name " gum tree " we
have trees that do not yield gum; Apple trees that do not bear apples ; again Blue Fig, a tree that does
not bear figs, and so on.

One deplorable feature in connection with the subject has been the wanton waste of hundreds of
millions of feet of the finest timber, subsequent upon the opening up of the country for settlement. Enormous
quantities of the most beautiful timber have been felled "and cast into the fire," and in a great measure
this is going on to-day. If settlement is to take place, of course the clearing of the land is inevitable, but
it does seem to show a want of business capacity somewhere that the timber could not be marketed.

As only certain desirable districts are opened out, there yet remains large areas of land eminently
suitable for forests, such as mountain ranges and gullies, and a considerable portion of these is practically
valueless for any other purpose tlian timber-growing.

The original areas which grew the timber were so extensive, and the \irgin supplies being so
plentiful, they were looked upon as inexhaustible. However, the timber areas are decreasing, and the time
has come when timber must be put on a similar footing to other crops, so that fresh supplies should be
provided for.

Some choice woods like Cedar are now becoming very scarce on the N'cw South Wales coast. In
Queensland, however, the supplies are larger, and the proportion of standing timber is greater— less

14

-\V?i^.

exploitation having been going- on. Tiie export of timber from OLie(^nsland has not yet reached verv big
dimensions, though it is gradually and steadily increasing. "There are huge areas in Queensland of
forest land viccupying many miles of country, estimated at 40,000,000 acres, yet uninspected and unreserved,
which one day will he thrown open to the timber-getter's axe, and the trader's activities. Masses of Pine
trees, Silky Oak, &c., still exist. There arc now reserved about three or four million acres, and the
operations of the timber merchants cover a considerable area, but \et small in comparison with the extent

of the forest land Such choice woods as Silkv Oak, Pencil Cedar, Rosewood, Tulip

Wood, and Rod Oak, besides many others that are abundant, are unrivalled for furniture making, cabinet
work, ani.1 line \oncers." (" Dalgetx's Review.")

Ilowexcr, before it is too late, and the supply of our beautiful cabinet timbers completely exhausted,
it is hoped the I'^oresi Departments of the Commonwealth .States will take action to prerent such a national
calamitx'.

If tlie publication ot th.is letterpress and these illustrations should be produclixe of action that will lead
to the perpetuation of our valuable trees and species in this connection, before the last tree sheds its seed
and passes into the limbo of obliviiMi, this work will not ha\e been published in vain.

15

4, Timbers Described.

(ARRANGED IN BOTANICAL SEQUENCE.!

*i. Crowsfoot Elm (Tarrietia argyro-

dendron) ... ... ... ... Sterculiaceae.

*Z. Maiden's Blush {Echinocarpiis ans-

tralis, Benth.) ... ... ... Tiliacefe.

"3. JilueYig (FAceocarpits grandis) ... do
*4. Thorny Yellow Wood {Zaiillio.xyliiiii

brachyacanthum) ... ... ... Rutaceae.

"5. Scrub Hickory (Penlaceras inistrcdis) do

*6. White Cedar (Mdia Azedarach) ... Meliacese.

*7. Rosewood {Dysoxylon Frascn'aiiuiii) do

*S. Red Bean (£). .V((t'//m) ... do
c). Onion Wood (Owenia cepiodoya) ... do

■'10. Red Cedar {Cedrela Toona, Roxb.)... do

'''ii. Long Jack [Flindcrsia Oxleyana) ... do
^'12. Queensland Maple {F. Chatawai-

ana) ... ... ... ... ... do

^1^. New South Wales Maple ( Villarcsia

Moorei] ... ... ... ... Olacinese.

14. Supple Jack (r(';;///(7go t7';«««rt/!'i) ... Rhamneae. 1

15. \i.&(i. A'ih [Al phitonia excelsa) ... do

*i6. Tnlip Wood (Harpullia pendida) ... Sapindaces.

- Illustrated

'■'17. Yellow Cedar {RhodospJucra rhodan-

thema) ... ... ... ... Anacardiacese.

*i8. Black Bean (Castanospcrmum aus-

trale) ... ... ... ... Leguminosse.

*I9. 'Exunmxg {Acacia saliciua) ... ... do

*2o. S^\\y (A. Maideni) do

*2I. Blackwood {.-1. inclanoxylon) ... do

.^"-22. MydA\(A. pcndiiUi) do

*23. Brigalow {A. honialophyl/a) do

*24. Gidgea {A. Canihagei) ... ... do

*25. Tortoise Shell Tulip (Pithecolobiinn

Hcndersoni) ... ... ... do

*26. Coachwood {Cevatopetaliiin apetidiiin) Saxifrages.

*27. Corkwood {Ackama Mucllcn) ... do
*28. A N.S.W. Mountain Ash or Tas-
manian Oak (Eucalyptus Delc-

gatensis) ... Myrtaces.

*2g. A Sh-ingyha.rk {E. ob/icjiKi) ... ... do

*30. McLhogany {E. resinif era) ... ... do

*3i. Jarrah {E. marginala) ... ... do

*32. Red Box (E. Ruddcri) do

*33. Spotted Gum (/:. iiuiculula) ... do
in colour.

t&

Timbers —continued.

*34. B\vie: Gnm {Eucalyptus saligna)

*35. Slaty Gum (£. £)az£'so«t)

*36. Musk, Olearia {Aster) argophylla ...

*2>T- BuddA {EremopJiila Mitchelli)

*^8. Beech {Ginelina Leichhardtii)

*39. Sassafras {Doryplwra sassafras)

*40. Queensland Walnut {Cryptocarya
Palmerstoni)

*4i. She Beech, or Bolly Gum {Tetran-
thera reticulata)

*42. Silky Oa.k {Orites excel sa)

4 ;. Silky Oak {Grevillea robusta )...

♦44. Beehvood {G. striata)

*45. Victorian Waratah (Telopea oreades)

*4(). Tasmanian Waratah {T. truncata)

*4/. Fire tree {Stenocarpus siiuiatiis)

*48. White Honeysuckle {Bauksin inlci^ri-
jolia), plain figure...

MjTtaces.

do
Compositae.
Myoporineae.
Verbenacete.
Monimiaces.

Laurineae.

do

Proteaceae.

do

(i.O

do
do
do

do

*53-
*54-
*55.

*57-

*.5S.

*59-
*6o.

*r>i.

*62.

*63-

River Oak (Casuarina Cuiuiinghamii)

Swamp Oak (C. g/rt(icrt)

Bull Oak (C. Luehmanni)

Be\a.\i{C. Cambagei)

Forest Oak (C. torulosa)

Red Myrtle (Fagus Cunninghamii)...
Cherry {Exocarpus cupressiformis) ...
White Pine {Callitris glauca)
Black Pine (C. calcarata)
King William Pine (.Athrotaxis selagi-

noides)
Hoop Pine {Araucaria Cunninghamii
Bunya Bunya {A . Bidwilli) ...
Queensland Kauri {.Agathis robusta)...
Huon Pine {Dacridium Fraiiklini) ...
Celery Top Pine {Phyllocladus rhom-

hoidalis)
Brown Pine {Podocarpus elata)

Casuarinese.

do

do

do

do
Cupuliferse.
Santalaceae.
Coniferse.
do

do
) do
do
do
do

do
do

Illustrated in colour

5, Illustrations in Natural Colours,

Beech
Beefwood ...

Belah

Black Bean (Plain and Figured)
Bla:k Pine or Cypress Pine
Blackwood (Plain and Figured)..

Blue Fig

Blue Gum ...

Bolly Gum...

Brigalow ...

Brown Pine (Plain and Figured)

Budda

Bull Oak (Plain and Figured) ..

Bunya Bunya

Cedar (Red)

Cedar (White)

Celery Top Pine ...

Cherry ...

No. of Plate,

XLI

XL VI

LV

.. XVIII-XIX

I.X

.. XXII-XXIII

III

XXXVI

XLIV

XXV

.LXVII-LXVllI

XL

LIII-LIV

LXIII

X

VI

LXVI

LVIII

Coachwood

Corkwood

Crowsfoot Elm or Irouwood

Eumung

Fire Tree

Forest Oak

Gidgea

Hooj) Pine

Honeysuckle (White) ...

Huon Pine

Jarrah ...

Kauri (Queensland)

King William Pine

Long Jack

Maiden's Blush...

Mahogany

Maple (Queensland) (Plain and Figured)

Maple 'New South Wales)

No. of Plate.
XXVIII

XXIX

I

XX

XLIX

LVI

XX\ I

LXII

L-LI

LXV

XXXIII

LXIV

LXI

XI

II

XXXII

XII XIII

XIV

^C<:

tS

&i

lilt

jstrations

in Natun

XI Colours continued.

No. of Plate.

No. of Plate

Mountain .^h or Tasmanian Oa

k

XXX

Silky Oak

XLV

-Musk (Plain and Kootstock)

XXXVIII-

-XXXIX Slaty Gum

XXXVII

Myall

XXIV

Spotted Gum ...

xxx\-

Oak (Tasmanian)

XXX

Stringy Bark ...

. xxxi

Pines

... LIX

-I.XNIII

Swamp Oak

LII

Red Ash

w

Thorny Yellow Wood

■■ I\"

Red Bean (Light and Dark)

\TI1-1X

Tortoise Shell Tulip

XXMI

Red Box

XXXI \-

Tulip Wood

XVI

Red Cedar

X

Walnut (Queensland)

XLIII

Red Myrtle (Tasmanian)

L\TI

\\'aratah (Tasmanian)

XLVIII

Ring Gidgea

XXVI

Waratah (Victorian)

XLVII

Rosewood

\TI

White Cedar

VI

Sally

XXI

White Honeysuckle (PI

lin and Figured) L-LI

Sa>safras

XLII

4

White or Cypress Pine

LIX

Scrub Hickory

V

Yellow Cedar . . .

XVII

She Beech...

xuv

19

6 Illustrations in Black and White.

Blackwood.

Altar, All Saints' Church, Hobart, Tasmania

Canopy or Portico, Legislative Council Chamber, Hobart, Tasmania

Chair and Table (carved), Hobart ...

Chair (Speaker's), Legislative Assembly Chamber, Hobart, Tasmania.

Chair (President's), Legislative Council Chamber, Hobart, Tasmania

Chair and Settee, Mr. Parker's House, Hobart, Tasmania

Chair (Dining-room), Technological Museum, Sydney ...

Chair (Hall), Technological Museum, Sydney

Furniture, Bank of Australasia, Martin-place, Sydney ...

Furniture, Fisher Library, Sydney University ...

Furniture, Legislative Assembly Chamber, Hobart, Tasmania

Furniture, National Art Gallery, Sydney

Interior Fittings, Church of the Apostles. Launceston, Tasmania

Interior Fittings, Colonial Sugar Refining Company, Head Office, Sydr

Interior Fittings, Commercial Bank, Launceston, Tasmania

Interior Fittings, Dalgety & Co., Sydney ...

Interior Fittings, E. S. & A. Bank, Collins-street, ilelbourne ...
Interior Fittings, St. David's Cathedral, Hobart, Tasmania
Interior Fittings, St. Paul's Cathedral. Melbourne
Interior Fittings, Wool Growers' Exchange, Launceston, Tasmania
Pulpit, Malvern Roman Catholic Church, Melbourne
Pulpit, St. Paul's Cathedral. Melbourne ...

Staircase, Colonial Sugar Refining Company's Head Office, Sydney
Staircase and Newell Posts, H. Jones and Company's Offices, Hobart, Tasmania
And others

PAGE.
105

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84

75
82
80
74
47

86

n

75
76.79

73
87
88

73
84
88
78
104

Black Bean.

Door (Framing only), Technological Museum, Sydney ...

Panel (carved), Technological Museum, Sydney ...

Table (carved), Technological Museum, Sydney ... ,.

Brown Pine.

Columns or Pedestals, Technol(jgical ^Museum, Sydney

Cedar.

Dado i'auelling, Legislative Assembly Chambers, Hob;u"t, Tasmania
Dado Panelling, Legislative Council Chambers, Hobart, Tasmania .
Doors, Deputy Town Clerk's Office, Sydney Town Hall
Interior Fittings, Council Chamber, Sydney Town Hall
Panel (carved), Technological Mu.seum, Sydney ... ...

New South Wales Railway Car (State Governor's), Outside Framing.

Roof, Fisher Library, Sydney University.

Seats and Organ, St. James' Anglican Church, Sydney

Staircase, Royal Society's House, Sydney

Staircase, Technological Museum, Sydney
Table (Loo), Technological Museum, Sydney

Interior Fittings, Camden House, 1834

And others ...

PAGE.
• 67

. 6S
. 69

40
42
49
45
44
47
46

43
43

48

41
50

Celery-top Pine.

New South Wales Railway Car (Slate Go\-ernor's), Smoke-room Panelling

Coachwood.

Table (made in 1S50), Camden House, Camden

Cl:=

Colonial or Hoop Pine.

Interior Fittings, Glebe Presbyterian Church, S\-dne\-

Black or Cypress Pine.
Column or Pedestal, Teclmological ^luseum, Sydney

Jarrah.
Exhibit of Karri and Jarrah Company's, Christchurch Exhibition

Office Fittings, Furniture and Mantelpiece

Staircase and Hall Fittings

Maple (Queensland).

Bed-room, State Governor's Car, New South Wales Railways
Interior Fittings, Bank of New South Wales, Melbourne

Red Bean.

Four Panels, D.M. Door (Mouldings only), Technological Museum, Sydney

Red Mahogany.

Floor (Margms of), National Art Gallery, Sydney

Red Myrtle (Tasmanian).

Interior Fittings, Mr. Parker's House, Hobart, Tasmania
Stool, and Settee ... ... ... ... ... ...i

Rosewood (N.S.W.)

Settee ...

Table (Queen Anne)

PAGE.

. i66

163

115
117
116

••• 53

••• 54

... 67-

... 113

155
75-

Ck

Silky Oak.

■Chair (Bedroom)

Chair (Carved Glastonbury)

Dining-room, State Governor's Car, Xcw South Wales Railways

Door (Four-panel D.M.), Panels only

Doors, Young Men's Christian Association, Sydney

Doors, " Craignish," Macquarie-street, Sydney

Fire Screen

Floor, National Art Gallery, Sydney

Spotted Gum.
Framing. Furniture and .Mouldings, Smoke-room, State (jovernor's Car, New South Wales Railway;

A Mountain Ash of N.S.W. and Victoria, Tasmanian Oak, or Stringybark

l'"urniture Manulacturing, diogan's. Launcestcm. Tasmania
Interior Fittings, All Saints' Church, H<il),u-t, Tasmania
Interior Fittings, Dining-room, ;\Ir. .\. Mault's House, Hobart, Tasmania
Interior Fittings, Huon Timber Company's Offices, Hobart, Tasmania
Interior Fittings, H. Jones and Com]iany's Offices, Hobart. Tasmania
Interior of Residence

Interior of St. John's Church, Launceston, Tasmania ...
Prie-Dieu, St. John's Church of England, Faunceston, Tasmania
Pulpit, Trinity Church, Launceston, Tasmania ...
Reading Desk, Trinity Church, Launceston, Tasmania ...
Reredos, Fingal Church, Tasmania
And others.

23

7, Description of each individual Timber^ Botany of the Tree, and

its Geographical Range.

NATURAL ORDER.

STERCULIACE^.

5?^ V^ ^

As a rule this Natural Order in other parts of the world is very poor in its timber production, but one or two of the
Australian representatives seera to be an exception in this respect to the rule.

There is one endemic genus, the Tarrietia, which produces hard timbers, and in the case of T. argyrodendron,
we have a hard, fairly heavy wood, with a medium specific character. It is known locally as Ironwood or Crowsfoot
Elm, and was at one time much more in demand than at present — defective seasoning causing it to be laid aside. It has
been used for indoor decoration, and when cut on the quarter shows a very pretty neat figure.

Species Illustrated in Colour : —
Ironwood or Crowsfoot Elm (Tarrietia argyrodcndron).

'M

[

■^■^^^■■■^^K'

ifflMiMK

flnvS

1

r 11

1

Hii wm

' i, *

1 '
1

' iiinc4

IB

Cn '

^B' '|||{ Huns'

il»T.' *^

ffly] jJB^

I&tI'

it ^

^^K ^IfllW

r MBniHyMMTi^'"

II

11

|'j|||

if

iHt^BBwi u

il

fli

Hi

1

11

WSFOOT ELM.

1 I \l:":' 1 ■ \ ARGVRODK-

Ironwood or Crowsfoot Elm.

[Tarrietia argyrodendron , Bentham.

This tree occurs in Xew Soutli Wales and Queensland, although it is generally
regarded as restricted to the latter State where it is more plentiful, and where supplies are
generally looked for. The timber should be cut on the quarter if the best figure is to be obtained
for cabinet work, and seasoned quickly, as it is liable to deteriorate rapidly if left in the log.
Its chief character is a neat, very pretty figure, the medullary rays being numerous and
well marked, as seen in the plate here given ; — is medium in weight, rather open in
the grain, dresses well and takes a good polish. It has been used for interior panelling in
some of the Queensland Railway carriages, being suitable for most kinds of inside decorative
work, especially railway passenger cars and ships' cabins, also for brush backs, ornamental boxes
turner}-, furniture^ &c.

Description of Tree. — A large, erect tree, the stem often e.xceeding 5 feet in
diameter. Leaves trifoliate, the petioles somewhat angular, mostly 2 to 3 inches long.
Leaflets lanceolate, from 4 to 7 inches long and from i to 2 inches broad towards the
middle, the indumentum more silvery than usual in this genus, but with the same
numerous small brown scales. Carpels muricate, oval or globose, i to J inch long by
about I inch diameter, furnished with an oblong, oblique, erect wing 2 to 4 inches long
by about i-J inches broad, clothed wdth the same rusty, stellate scales as the under side
of the leaxfs.

Geographical Range. — Coastal districts, from Pine River. Queensltnd. t(j Clarence
River, Xew South Wales.

NATURAL ORDER.

TILIACE^.

The common Lime or Linden of Europe is a well-known tree of this Order, but in Australia its best representatives
for cabinet timbers are : —

Maiden's Blush {Eckinocarpus australis, Benth.),

Yellow Carabeen (Sloanea Woollsii, F.v.M.),

Blue Fig [Elceocarpus grandis, F.v.M.),
and most of the other Elceocarpus.

Species Illustrated in Colour : —

Maiden's Blush [Echinocarpus australis, Benth.),
Blue Fig {Elceocarpus grandis, F.v.M.).

26

Maiden's Blush.

(Ecliiiiocarpiis aiistralis, I-Jcnth.,

This timber is not often sfeen in the market, althougli it has certain quaHties that recom-
mend it for acceptance in the cabinet hue. It lias a nice hfjure, is a warm jiink in colonr,
comparatively soft, easily worked and dressed, and takes a good polish, it could be used for
motor-car work on account of its extreme lightness, anci is a good wood generalh", being suitable
for joinery and ornamental purposes, also for planking for small boats.

Description of Tree. — A common tree of the northern ami .southern brushes of the
coast of New South Wales and Queensland respectively, where it attains a height of loo
feet, and 2 feet or more in diameter. The bark is flat but not smooth. Leaves ovate,
acuminate, or obovate, oblong, up to a foot long, paler on the underside, sinuate toothed,
narrowed towards the base, but rounded or slightly cordate, coriaceous. Flowers in
fairly large a.xillary or terminal panicles, cernuous, on long slender peduncles. Petals
nearly an inch long. Sepals hoary. Capsule thick, woody, echinate, opening into three
or four valves about i inch long.

Geographical Range. — Coast district from Uueensland to Kiama, New South Wales.

27

\^

Blue Fig.

{Elceocarpus grandis, F.v.M.)

The vernacular name has been unfortunately chosen, as the tree has no connection with
the true figs (Ficiis), as shown by the systematic name, the timber of figs being notoriously
worthless. In this instance we have a splendid pale coloured, light timber, which shows a sheen
on planing. It is open in the grain, dresses well, takes a good polish, is much used in
the trade, and can by different stains made to imitate various other timbers. It is used for
almost any kind of cabinet and joinery work, also interior fittings of carriages, ships' cabins, &c.
The pale yellow colour would look well in contrast with any of our dark Acacia timbers.

Description of tlie Tree. — An average tree of the coast brushes, attaining a height
of 100 feet or more, and a corresponding diameter, having a smooth, yellowish tinted
bark, and glabrous in all its parts. Leaves oblong or lanceolate, up to 6 inches long,
petiole slightly winged, obtuse or acuminate, shining above, domatia often present,
crenulate. Flowers large, in short axillary racemes, sepals about J inch long, including
the subulate points. Petals of equal length having about five fringed lobes, silky
pubescent on the margin towards the base. Anthers pointed. Fruit a drupe, globular,
I inch in diameter, of a bluish colour. Inner portion or putamen very hard and
wrinkled.

Note. — It is from the form of fruit that the tree has received its common name.

Geographical Range. — Coast district of Queensland, from Pine Kiver to Northern
New South Wales.

28

MI.

NATURAL ORDER

RUTACE^.

This natural Order is quite southern in its distribution, and as a timber yielder is not famous out of Australia.
The material obtained from our Rutacoie is deserving of far more attention than has yet been given it. The genera
Bosistoa, Melicope, Pentaceras, Evodia, and Zanthoxylum produce beautiful pale yellow-coloured or even whitish
timbers. It is to be regretted that groups of such fine woods should be so near extinction. Two are photographed
here, as the others are now less frequently found on the market. These particular illustrations will give the index to
the rest of the Rutaceae timbers, which are generally of medium weight, close grained, polish and dress well, and
would be an acquisition in many branches of cabinet work.

Species Illustrated ix Colol'r : —

Thorny Yellow Wood {Zanthoxylum brachyacantlmm, F.v.M.).
Scrub HioM-Oty [Pentaceras auslraJis, J. Hook.).

2q

Thorny Yellow Wood.

{Zanthoxylimi brachyacanihuDi, F.v.M.;

This is a species that is not usually found ni the market owing to its rarity, but deserves
attention amongst foresters as a forest tree for propagation. The tnnber has a canary yellow
colour, is hard, close grained, dresses and seasons well, is fairly heavy, and takes a good pohsh.
It is strong and durable, with an attractive colour, and would be useful for any small article of
furniture or ornamental work where these qualities are required. It could also be used for
fancy and ornamental articles such as ladies' jewellery caskets, &c.

Description of the Tree. — A brush tree ol average dimensions, the bark on the trunk
and branches being covered with short conical thorns. Leaves ahernate pinnate, the
common petiole being sometimes a foot long, leaflets nine to thirteen, opposite peiiolate,
shining, almost membraneous, sometimes serrulate or crenate, shining, 2 to 3 inches long,
ovate to oblong elliptical, glabrous. Flowers in short axillary panicles, the male flowers
nearly 3 lines long, the female ones shorter. Fruit, one to five distinct cells, dry or
drupaceous, usually two-valved.

Geographical Range. — Brush forests. Southern Ranges, Queensland to Clarence
River, New South Wales.

30

SCRUB HICKORY.
(Fentacekas Ai'STKALts, Hook.)

Scrub Hickory.

Pentaceras uustralis, J . Hooker.)

In some respects this might be regarded as a good substitute for English Hornbeam, both
in colour and texture, although it has a better figure. The tree grows to a fair average size, and
so produces a timber of sufficient dimensions for cabinet work. It is hard, close grained, pale
yellowish in colour, dresses well and takes a hnc polish, which brings out a natural sheen not
shown by planing. It would make elegant furniture in light coloured suites, and look well in
panelling. It is in fact suitable for any class of cabinet work where strength and durability
are required combined with an attractive appearance. It is strongly recommended for forest
culture.

Description of the Tree. — A medium-sized tree of the scrub of the middle eastern
coast districts of the c mtinent. Leaves pale on the underside, pinnate, with a petiole
ranging in length up to a foot ; leaflets from six to twelve, in opposite pairs, and a
terminal one, ovate to lanceolate, obtuse or acuminate, up to 6 inches long, edges entire,
rarely finely crenate, sometimes decurrent on the lower edge. Flowers in large panicles
on the ultimate branches, often exceeding the leaves. Petals and stamens very small.
Fruit a samara. I to 2 inches long, up to J inch broad.

Geographical Range. — Brush forests, Brisbane River, Queensland to Richmond
River, New South Wales.

31

NATURAL ORDER.

MELIACE^.

^ 3^

This Order is fairly well distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, and commercially
might be called the Mahogany order, for from it the famous Mahoganies of commerce are derived, and in this connection
one has only to mention Honduras Mahogany, Honduras Cedar, Indian Satin-wood and Red Cedar of Australia,
to bring to mind some of its contributions to the cabinet timbers in general. Its principal Australian cabinet timbers
are : —

White Cedar (Melia Azedaracli, Linn.).

Rosewood {Th'soxyloii Frasci-iiuuiin, F.v.M.).

Red Bean (D. Muelh-n, F.v.M.).

A Pencil Cedar (D. mjuni, Benth.).

A " Rosewood" (Synoum glandidosum, A. Juss.

Grewia [Owenia acidida, F.v.M.).

Onion Wood {Owenia ccpiodora, F.v.M.).
(Caraja mohicccnsis, Lam.).
Red Cedar (Ccdrela Toona, Roxb.).
Long Jack (Flindcrsia Oxleyana, F.v.M.).
Queensland Maple (F. Chalau'aianiu Bail.).
(Flindersia, spji.).

Species Illustr.\ted in Colour : —
White Cedar {Melia Azedarach, Linn). Red Cedar {Ccdrela Toona, Roxb.).

Rosewood (Dysoxylon Fraseriamim, F.v.M.). Long Jack {Flindersia Oxleyatia, F.v.M.).

Red Bean {D. Mnelleri, F.v.M.). Queensland Maple {F. Chatawaiana, Bail.).

32

■>(,>«•»'

i ♦i.*i m:.-

JK'

. -.•>' vr '■

'"911

''"^H

-13^:

i "iSiVV'i^B

tI

ir

1

"ij^^^^^^H

» • . i - > , I

r .: t ' t

f

' t r

WHITE CEDAR.
(Melia Azedarach. .1/7/./.)

White Cedar.

{Melia Azedanich, Limi.;

This wood is iii^ht in colour and weit^iit, and has a ht;ure and texture not at all unlike
English " IChn " 'Ulmiis campcstris). It is open in the grain, has large annual rings, is
very.^eas}' to work, and known in I he trade as ("rolden Cedar as well as White Cedar. It is
used for cabinet work, veneering, turnery, (ic, and an\- kind of inside joinery, but is not
suitable where it is exposed to climatic changes.

Description ol tlie Tree.— .\ large forest tree of the coast brush lands, and now-
found in cultivation, as the long [lendulous pinnate leaves (deciduous) give it quite an
ornamental appearance. Bark hard, compact, distinctly ridged or checkered. Leaflets
opposite, mostly coarsely lobed or toothed, ovate to lanceolate, i to 2 inches long.
Flowers lilac-coloured, in fairly large, loose panicles, but shorter than the leaves, covered
with a mealy tomentum. Sepals small, petals nearly I inch long. Staminal tube hirsute
inside behind the anthers, ten to twelve-teeth. Fruit a white drupe, ovoid or nearly
glol)nlar.

Geographical Range. — Like most of our cabinet timbers it is found in the middle
area of the East Coast districts of the continent in the brushes.

ZZ

r>

Rosewood.

Dvsoxvloii bi'iiscndniim, Hcntham.)

This tree, like its other congeners, flounslies in the brushes, and is stiU fairly plentiful.
The wood has been extensively employed in furniture manufacture, and is so to an extent
now, although it has a serious drawback m some specimens in that it '' sweats," to use a trade
expression. It would be a distinct gain if this objection could be removed, for it would add an
otherwise most valuable addition to our cabinet timbers. It has a pleasing red colour, although
too light for some tastes, but is often considerably dark stained when made into furniture. It
planes well, is easily worked, light in weight, and fairly hard. The texture is closer than Red
Bean or Cedar, and in this character more approaches the Queensland ]\Iaple.

Description of tlie Tree. — One of the tallest trees of the Coast brush lands, attaining
a height of 200 feet, witli a thin, yellowish, flaky — or tessellated bark. Leaflets five to
nine, oblong, lanceolate or elliptical, acuminate, 3 to 6 inches long, narrowed and equal
at the base. Domatia often present on the underside. Flowers in short panicles in the
upper axils, loose, divaricately branched, slightly pubescent. Calj'x cupular, very small,
shortly and broadly four-lobed. Petals four, about J inch long; staminal tube eight-
toothed, glabrous. Fruit a globular or pear-shaped capsule, opening loculicidally in three
to five thickly coriaceous valves.

Geographical Range. — This is essentially a brush timber of the North Coast of Xew
South Wales and the South Coast of Queensland.

34

.^/■^=

111 Trcliiiolosical Mumuiii.

35

36

Red Bean.

(^Dysoxyluii Mitcllcri, Jientli.

It is not now one of thr brst known or most used timbers in the cabinet trade, although
possessing many iiualitics obtaining in this bnincli of commerce, and was much more appreciated
a decade or two ago than it is to-day. Flie colour is very attractive, being of a warm red
cliaractcr when IrcshK' cut, but bt-comcs lighter in si-ason ng, and takes a splendid polish. It
is easy to work, slig]itl\- o])en in the grain and often has a decorative figure, which places it well
in the front rank of red timbers for cabinet work, for which it is most suitable. It is heavier
and stronger than cedar, and could bo utilised for almost an\- purpose for which cetlar is used.

Description of the Tree. — Like its congener, D. Fraseriannm (Rosewood), it is one
of the giants ni the Coast brush lands, and probably measures 200 feet in height, with
a proportionate diameter, and a thin, dark yellow flak}' bark. It is, however, larger in
all its parts than that tree. Leaves i to 2 feet long ; leaflets eleven to twenty-one, from
ovate to almost lanceolate, shortly acuminate, 3 to 6 inches long, very oblique at the base-
Flowers numerous, in much branched pyramidal panicles, 9 inches to i foot long. Sepals
and petals similar to I). Fraseriannm. Tubular disk long and slender.

Geographical Range. — This tree occurs in the northern brushes of Xew South Wales
and the southern brushes of Queensland.

37

Onion Wood.

(Ou'cnia ccpiodoni, F.v.M.)

A good all round cabinet timber snch as this, certainly deserves a better connnon name,
for of all the specimens that have come under my notice, in no instance has an alliaceous odour
been detected when seasoned. It has the general facies of the j\Ieliaceous timbers, being reddish
in colour, soft, easily worked and dressed, and takes a good polish. It is suitable for all kinds
of cabinet work, such as counters, wainscotting, furniture, dooi"s, panelling, in fact, anything in
the cabinet line. It is very similar to Red Cedar, but slightly heavier and closer in the grain.

Description of the Tree. — A large brush tree with large pinnate leaves. Leaves
sometimes measuring 2 feet in length, oblique, thin, shining, with oblong-lanceolate
leaflets 5 to 6 inches long, numbering up to twenty- Flowers small, in broad axillary
panicles, about a foot long. Fruit a globular drupe with a rugose putamen, rose coloured,
under i inrh in diameter.

Geographical Range. — Southern Coast districts of Queensland to Richmond River,
New South Wales.

38

Red Cedar.

CcilicUi I'uniui, KoxIk

This— tin- tirsl cabinet tiinlxT cx'ct used in Australia — was tlie pride of the early
tiinbiT-^etters, and was lor long the champion of the '"brushes" as regards its dimensions,
but almost all the giants ol its race have fallen a victim to the ruthless war of the axe-
man. Traces of this monarch of the forest will, however, still remain with us, for its
name is perpetuated in such localities as Cedar CiuUy and Cedar Mountain, and these are
fairly common in the Coast districts wherever the Cedar previously flourished, but is now a
tree of the past. It has always appealed to cabinet makers and joiners as par excellence
amongst our tinibers for this particular purpose, and no native timber has been so extensively
used as this one in cabinet work. Xor is this to be wondered at, for no finer timber exists in
Australia. It has a deep red colour, is specificall}^ light, open, soft, easily worked or dressed,
and takes a beautiful polish, and what is most dear to the heart of the cabinetmaker, has very
often a beautiful figure. Some of the finest office decorations, counters, &c., of Sj^dney,
Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, and Perth, are made from Cedar. In the early days
of the Colonv it was used for doors, tables, wainscotting, panels, and stairs, but it is too soft
for the latter. For carving it has no compeers, — some beautifully carved newel posts made
from it can be seen in our leading offices. It is also a fair timber for show-case framing. It is
a rapid growing tree, and a specimen in the Museum cut from a tree ig years old measures over
2 feet in diameter. See remarks under frontispiece.

Description of the Tree. — A giant, if not tlie giant, tree of the Australian bruslies.
It is essentially a brush and gully tree. Leaves pinnate, large, deciduous: leaflets eleven
to seventeen, oi)i)osite. irregularly alternate, lanceolate oblique, up to 5 inches long, pale
underneath, thin. Flowers in a large, many-flowered pyramidal panicle, glabrous.
Sepals orbicular, ciliate. verj' small, l^etals white or pinkish, under | inch long. Fruit
a capsule, glabr. )us. olilong, I to li inches long.

Geographical Range. — It occurs in the brushes of the east Coast of Australia,
almost as far south as the Victorian border.

39

5x

o —
O _

■ ID a
:0 O

40

o =

o

I 6

41

42

Royal Society, Syilney

43

J)

Red Cedar Exterior.
State Govcnuir'^ Car. .X.S.W. ('■ovi.inment Raihvav

44

45

Red Cedar Seats and Organ

St. James' Church, Sydney.

46

Red Cedar Wardrobe.
Camden Hou^^e, N.S.W. 1834.

Red Cedar Roof and Blackwood Furniture
Fisher Library, Tniversity, Sydney.

47

48

Red Cedar Fittings.
Council Chamber, Town Hall. Svilnr

49

-^H H

indld

!

pn

Wl^mKw^

Red Cedar Pews.
St. Matthew's Church, Wimlsnr.

50

Long Jack.

<'Flindc)'sia Oxh'Vciiui , 1-".\'..M.

This timber is also known vernacularly as Mountain Ash and Wllow Wood, but these
are only recorded here for identification of the wood and not to be perpetuated, as it is a distinct
advantage for a timber to have only one commercial name, and that, if possible, a descriptive
one of the wood, or at least one that shall give some index to its qualities. In this case the
adjecti\'e evidently has been given by timber-getters in reference to the long straight stem, for the
tree attains an average height of 120 feet, with an average diameter of 3 feet. The name Mountain
Ash is retained for the Eucalypts going under that appellation, and Yellow Wood for
Rhodosphaera rhodanthema, so that it is as well now to keep Long Jack for F. Oxleyana. It is a
light yellowish coloured timber, fairly hard, strong, durable, heavy, and close grained, especially
the latter in a transverse section. There is no sapwood, so that it cuts out to advantage. It
is suitable for bedroom suites, coachwork, panelling, picture frames, and other joinery and
cabinet work. The timber is sold in the markets under its several common names.

Description of tiie Tree. — A large forest tree of the Coastal brush land, attaining a
height ol over luu li'et, with a thm, lightish coloured, compact, fairly smooth bark.
Leaves opposite, crowded under the flowering panicles : leaflets four to ten, with or
without a terminal odd one, broadly lanceolate, oblique, inclining to falcate, narrowed into
adistmct petiolulc, sometimes with minute stellate hairs underneath. Flowers in a loose
many flowered panicle, shorter than the leaves. Sepals very small. Petals a little larger,
glabrous, obovate, oblong. Fruit an oblong hard capsule, muricate, opening sejiticidally
into five boat-shaped valves or cocci, without any persistent axis.

Geographical Range. — The tree is fairly plentiful in the brushes of the North Coast
of New Siiutli Wales and South Coast of Queensland.

51

Queensland Maple.

Fliiidcrsui C Ihttaicaiaiia, Bail.;

The common name might conjure up in one's mind a repHca of the familiar maple of
Canada; but, if so, one would err, for there is verv little resemblance between these two timbers.
In this instance the colour is slightly darker than the Canadian timber, and the figure, which
is different, being less " bird's eye," is obtained by the waving lines caused by the interlocking
texture, and is very effective. It is fairly hard, takes a beautiful polish, and is eminently suited
for all kinds of cabinet work. It is being extensively employed in the trade for furniture, piano
panels, and interior decoration. There is no timber on the Sydney market at the present time
used for such a variety of joinery purposes and cabinet work, as it can be stained to imitate
Walnut or Mahogany, or used in its natural state.

Description of tlie Tree. — A large tree with a trunk diameter from 4 to S ieet.
Leaves opposite, petioles and rhachis more or less sharply angular : leaflets usually seven,
oblong falcate, obtuse, or with a more or less acuminate obtuse point, sometimes very
oblique at the base, 3 to 4i inches long, li to 2I inches broad, underside somewhat pale.
Panicles rather large and spreading. Flowers not known. Fruit 3 inches or more long,
oblong, but tapering at each end, pentagonal, prominently marked with dark mussel-
shaped scars, which gives to the fruit somewhat the appearance of a fir cone. (F. M.
Bailey, Queensland Flora, Part I, p. 240.)

Geographical Range. — Cardwell to Herberton, Queensland.

52

53

Queensland Maple.
Bank X.S.W.. Jlclbounu

54

35

NATURAL ORDER.

OLACINE^E.

7*^ Ji^

Unfortunately, not many representatives of this Order are found in Australia, for it is from tliis family tliat the
timbers of the common Ashes [Fnixiiiii'^ excelsior and kindred species) of other countries are derived. The species
occurring in New South \\'ales is commonly known as " Maple," a not well chosen term, as it has not the tacies of any
of the other timbers passing under that name. In figure it more nearly approaches the North American Sycamore,
and, perhaps, some Oaks (Qiicycus).

Species Illustrated in Colour : —
Maple ( Villaresia Moovei, F.v.M.).

56

New South Wales Maple.

(yUlayt'siii Muorei. F.w.M.

Our local names are not always expressive of a distincti\-eness of some well-known
characters, and this is an instance. One generally associates Maple with Canada, and expects
in this connection to find a timber that possesses some of the well-known features of that class
of wood, but those are just what are not found in this case. It certainly is somewhat light in
colour, but that is about all that obtains in the connection. The figure more nearly approaches
that of English Beech, and the same may be said of the texture, hardness, and colour. It could
be used for all purposes to which English Beech is applied, and wovild make ver\- pretty panels
or whole bedroom suites when the tout ensemble is white, or pale coloured.

Description of tiie Tree. — A tall, handsome tree, found in the brush lands of the coast,
with a pale, comparati\ely thin, yellowish corrugated bark. Leaves ovate, lanceolate or
oval, acuminate, varying in size up to 3 inches broad, and 6 inches long; petiole short,
coriaceous and shining, pale on underside. Flowers in lateral raceme-like panicles 2 to 4
inches long. Fruit a drupe, globular, i inch diameter, the putamen hard, rugose outside.

Geographical Range. — Brush forests, Bunya Jlountains, Queensland, to Bulli, New
South Wales.

NATURAL ORDER

RHAMNEyE.

t>^ ^^

This Order is fairly well distributed over the earth, and Australia has one or two good representatives of its
timbers. Red Ash is a particularly fine timber lor cabinet use, the texture, weight, and colour being suitable for this
special class of work. It is rarely found in the market and so is not in ordinary use.

Species iLLUsxR.'iTED in Colour : —
Red Ash (Alpliitona excelsa, Reiss).

58

Supple Jack.

(Ventitago vuninalis, Houk.j

This is a timber tliat is little known outside its geographical area. It is hard, heavy,
dark coloured, and so would only be useful for special cabinet work ; it nuich resembles in
some respects the dark hearted Acacia timbers, and amongst these features may be mentioned
its difficulty to dress. It is suitable for any kmd of ornamental turnery, brush backs, fancy
boxes, cS:c.

Description of the Tree. — A small glabrous tree occurring in the interior of New-
South Wales aiici Queensland and Northern Territory. Leaves alternate, narrow lanceolate
to lanceolate up to finches long, entire, lateral veins very oblique and sometimes parallel
with the edge, rather thin. Flowers small, clustered in the branches of a.xillary or terminal
panicles. Fruit globular at the base, produced into an oblong or linear coriaceous wing, one
cell, one seed, about i inch long.

Geographical Range. — Interior of Queensland and New South Wales.

59

Red Ash.

{Alplutoiia excclsa, Keiss.) .

This is a little known timber, and rarely found on the market, but it is,
nevertheless, one of our finest native cabinet woods. It is close-grained, hard, fairly heavy,
but with practically no figure — its special recommendation for this particular work being the
bright red colour of the duramen. When first planed only a tinge of red is seen, but on
exposure the colour deepens to a bright cardinal. It could be used for panelling, decorative
tables, carving, and turning.

Description of the Tree. — A tall tree, found near water or ridges overlooking
water, open country or brush forests, the young branches with a rusty tomentum. Bark
hard, compact, often with a whitish coating. Leaves characteristic, alternate, ovate to
lanceolate, large, entire, subcoriaceous, glabrous above, white or hoary underneath with
a close tomentum, veins prominent. Flowers Ln small umbel-like cymes arranged in
dichotomous cymes in the upper axUs or Ln a terminal corymbose panicle. Fruit
globular or broadly ovoid, separating into two or three hard carpels. Seeds shining,
enclosed in a red-brown arillus.

Geographical Range. — Curtis Island, Queensland, to Jlnnnt I)romedar\% New
South Wales.

60

NATURAL ORDER.

SAPINDACE^.

f^ ?^ y$

As a liniber-yiekler outside Australia this Order docs not seem to rank very higli. In Australia the timbers
are fairly numerous, hard, close-grahied, tough ard strong, but lacking in figure except in the case of Tulip Wood,
Harpulliti pendula, and perhaps Ncphelinm semiglaucum, which, although suitable timbers for many purposes, yet
are rarely found on the market.

Species Illustrated in Colour : —

Tulip Wood (Ilarpidlia pendula. Planch.).

6i

Tulip Wood

(HurpiiUia pcnditla, Planch.)

A list of the cabinet timbers would not be complete, perhaps, without a few remarks
on this one, and if the tree were only more numerous the timber would be much in request.
At present it only finds its way into the market in very limited supplies, so is not often now
found in the cabinet-makers' workshops. That it was a regular article of commerce in the past
is proved by the following quotation taken from a Toy and Fancy article advertisement in a
Svdney Directory of 1848 : —

•■ . . . also Ebony. Australian Tulip Wood, . . . "Henry Tarkes, Ivory and Bone Toy
Manufacturer, No. 20 Hunter street."

The wood is close-grained, hard and heavy, yet works easily, and has a pretty figure
produced by a dark brown or almost black colouring, with whitish streaks. It is very suitable
for turning, and has been used for small legs of ornamental drawing-room tables, and is
specially suited for small mallets, and cases for medical and other scientific instruments.
Apart from its cabinet qualities, the tree itself makes a very ornamental park addition, and is
well worthy of cultivation. The wood looks well in ornamental boxes, picture-frames, salvers,
&c., ornamented with silver, when a contrast is produced between the white metal and the
dark streaked colours.

♦.Afterwards Sir Hrnry P.irk.s, K.C.M.G., Premifr of New South Wales.

Description of the Tree. — A tall tree of the northern brush. l.ea\es pmnate, leafiets
usually three to six. ovate to elliptical oblong, obtusely acuminate, 3 to 5 inches long,
thin or membraneous, veins promment underneath. Flowers m loose, slender terminal,
little-branched panicles, small. Sepals under \ of an inch long. Petals ovate, slightly
larger. Stamens five to seven, much longer than the calyx, with slender filaments in the
males, small and short in the females. ' Fruit a glabrous capsule, i to li inch broad, the
lobes inflated. Seeds without any arillus.

Geographical Range. — In the brushes of the North Coast tlistrict of New South
Wales and (;)ueensland.

62

NATURAL ORDER.

ANACARDIACE^.

;p

This is an Order with a fairly extensive distribution in tlie tropics and sub-tropics, and is famous for many of its
economics, but the timber is, perhaps, the least known of them. The Yellow Cedar (Rhodoaphcera rhodanlhema, Engl.)
-is a beautiful timber, and might be used by cabinet makers in greater quantity.

Species Ii.lustk.\ti-;d in Colour ; —

Yellow Cedar (Rhodospluera rhodanthcina, Engl.).

63

Yellow Cedar.

(Rhodosphcera rhodaiitJicma, Engl.)

Rarely found on the market, but the pale yellow colour of its wood should create for it
something of a demand, as it could be utilised in various ways in cabinet-work, being hard, fairly
heavy, close-grained, as well as taking a good polish, and dresses easily. It should be suitable
for any cabinet-work or turnery, or any kind of ornamental cases or caskets requiring a special
colour.

Description of the Tree. — An average forest tree of the coastal (eastern) brushes,
less than loo feet in height generally, having a smoothish, flaky brown bark. Leaves
pinnate, with a round common petiole or stalk ; leaflets from seven to nine, oblong,
obtusely acuminate, entire shortly petiolate, venation distinct on the underside, where
also occur domatia. Flowers large, red-coloured, in dense panicles, dioecious, very shortly
pedicellate. Sepals very small, broadly ovate, very obtuse. Petals very small, recurved,
ovate. Stamens ten, styles three, short, thick, diverging with capitate stigmas. Fruit
a globular drupe, shining, under an inch in diameter. Seeds orbicular, flat.

Geograpliical Range. — A brush tree of the central Coast districts of the continent.

64

YELLOW CEDAR

\ KHODAN IHhM '

I

NATURAL ORDER.

LEGUMINQS^E.

This is a very extensive Order, and has representatives in almost all parts of the world, the number of species
numbering some thousands, the Australian specimens even running into hundreds. Many of these are very ornamental
and eminently fitted for cabinet-work, such timbers as Black Bean, Tortoise-shell Tulip, Myall, Eumung, Blackwood,
and other Acacias form a varied selection of fine cabinet woods, and occupy no mean space in the collections in this
Museum.

Species Illcstr.ated in Colour

Black Bean (Castanospermitm australe, A. Cimn.).
Eumung (Acacia salicina, Lindl.)-
Sally [A. Maideni, F.v.M.).
Blackwood (A. melanoxylon, R.Br.).

Myall (.1. pendula, A. Cunn.).

Brigalow (A-^lmmalopkylh, A. Cunn.).'

Gidgea (A. Camhagei, R. T. Baker).

Tortoise-shell Tulip (Pitliecolobium Hendersuni, F.v.M.).

i:\

65

Black Bean.

(Castanospermiim australc, A. Cunn.)

Timber-getters of the two neighbouring States have given distinctive names to this
wood, the northern men having bestowed the appellation of Moreton Bay Chestnut, evidently
from the big seed of the pod resembling the Horse chestnut of Europe, whilst the Walesian has
derived his designation of it from the pod, prefixed by an adjective suggestive of the colour of
the timber. It is really remarkable how vernacular names are applied, as for instance, Red
Bean, where the fruit is not a bean, but the timber has much the same character as this,
although not the colour, and hence the family (su) name. It is an attractive wood, much
resembUng EngHsh and American Walnut in colour and often in figure, being dark or almost
black, with a pronounced grain. In some specimens exhibited in the Museum the figure is
most beautiful, excelling anything seen in exotic Walnut woods. The texture is close, and a
good surface is easily produced by planing. It is fairly heavy, and is a good carving timber.
It requires careful seasoning, otherwise it readily warps and twists. For doors, desks, panels,
particular kinds of furniture, it is w^ell suited, and may be regarded as a good all-round heavy
cabinet timber. The tree is a fairly quick grower.

Description of the Tree. — One of the large trees of the coastal brush lands, distin-
guished by its large pinnate leaves and big pod. Bark thin, compact, pale-coloured, smooth.
Leaves from i to nearly 2 feet long: leaflets eleven to fifteen, ovate, elliptical or broadly
oblong, shortly acuminate, up to 6 inches long, shortly petiolulate. Flowers large, orange-
coloured, in loose axillary or lateral racemes, under 6 inches long, occurring sometimes
on the trunks and branches removed from the leaves. Standard about i inch m diameter.
Pod 8 or 9 inches long, about 2 inches broad, three to five cells, each containing a large
chestnut-like seed.

Geographical Range. — A native of the brushes of the North Coast district of New-
South Wales and Southern Queensland.

66

'Miiiiil

67

/^

68

XiX.

J)

69

Eumung.

(Acacia salicina, Lindl.)

As regards its ornamental character, this species of timber is a rival to Blackwood
{Acacia melanoxylon), and by some it is thought to be superior in this respect, for it often has very
beautiful wavy markings. In texture it is more open than Blackwood, but has about the same
specific gravity, although it has a more showy figure, while the colour is somewhat like Honduras
Mahogany. It is necessary to use the scraper to work it up to a smooth surface before polishing.
A rich appearance is produced when polished, and it would look handsome in panels, counters,
internal decoration of railway carriages, and would also be very suitable|for all kinds of fancy
boxes, brushes, rings, cutlery cases, caskets, &c.

Description of the Tree. — One of the largest of the Acacia family, probably the
largest species of the interior, as it attains quite full tree size with a diameter of over 2 feet,
branches often pendulous, branchlets angular, but soon terete. Phyllodes pale-coloured or
glaucous, straight or falcate, narrow to broadly lanceolate, narrowed towards the base, 3 to
over 6 inches long, occasionally over i inch broad, but mostly much narrower, midrib
prominentj lateral veins not prominent, gland wanting. Racemes sometimes as long as
the leaves, often reduced to one head on slender peduncles, about twenty flowers in each
globular head. Calyx short, petals quite smooth. Pod straight or curved, i to 3
inches long, under \ inch broad, not much constricted between the seeds ; valves hard
and thick. Seeds orbicular, longitudinal, funicle red. forming several folds under the seed.

Geographical Range. — Open forest lands on the Balonne and Suttor Rivers,
Queensland, to the Lachlan River, Barrier Range, and Western Plains, New South
Wales.

70

Sally.

(Acacia Maideni, F.v.M.)

Tliis timber is illustrated here as it is one of the group of Acacias that differ in colour
and texture from the type or main group, such as Myall, Gidgea, Brigalow, &c. It is pale-
coloured, fairly hard and light in weight, and being a rapid grower the annual rings are prominent,
and when cut tangentially give a big figure. Suitable for chair-making, carriage-work, or any
purpose where medium strength is recjuired.

Description of the Tree, — A tree about 50 feet high, occurring in the brush lands of
the Coast. Pliyllodia large, falcate lanceolate, or oblanceolate, many veined, thin.
Flowers in almost sessile spikes, the spikes solitary or two or three together, their rachis
tomentose. Pod narrow, compressed, much twisted. Seeds longitudinal, shining,
funicle pale-reddish, almost encircling the seed in a double fold.

Geographical Range. — Southern parts of Queensland to near Sydney, New South
Wales.

71

Blackwood.

(^Acacia rnelanoxylon, R.Br.'i

As a cabinet timber for all-round usefulness this one might, perhaps, be placed next to Red
Cedar (Cedrela Toona), and its utilisation in this connection dates probably almost as far back
in the State's history. It can be made into beautiful furniture, as it takes a good polish, which
gives it a satiny sheen, thus enhancing its often ornamental figure. It is fairly close-grained,
strong, comparatively light in weight, and dresses with a beautiful finish and is frequently
found with a ringed figure. Apart from its utilisation for furniture and cabinet-work, it has
also been tried for gun-stocks and given satisfaction. It is extensively used m the construction
of railway passenger cars, office, bank, and shop fittings, also interior joinery work of passenger
boats, in fact almost every purpose to which good cabinet timber can be utilised. The Central
Railway Booking Office fittings, Sydney, are made from it.

Description of the Tree. — This probably is the giant of Acacias, as it attains a
height of So or loo feet with a good diameter. Bark hard, rough, furrowed, and of a
compact texture. Phyllodia straight, lanceolate or falcate, up to 6 inches in length and
i to I inch broad, much narrowed towards the base, with several longitudinal nerves and
numerous anastomosing veins. Inflorescence either on a solitary peduncle or a short
raceme. Flowers in head of forty or fifty. Pods flat, much curved, about ^ inch broad
with thickened margins. Seeds orbicular, funicle red, encircling the seed in a double fold.

Geographical Range. — One of the widest distributed of our cabinet timbers, as it is
found in Tasmania, Mctoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.

72

73

Blackwood Tables and Chairs.
Bank of Australasia, Sydney.

74

xxni

75

3lackwood Fittings.

76

Blackwood Fittings.
C.S.R. Co., Sy<lii;y.

n

5 .-;

78

Blackwood Fittings.
Board Koom, Dalgcty's, Sydney.

79

Blackwood and Cedar.
Legislative Council Chambers, Hobart, Tasmania.

8i

82

Blackwood and Cedar,
liousf of Assembly, Hobiirt.

83

Blackwood.
President's Chair, Legislative Council, Tasmania.

Blackwood Pulpit-
R.C. Chiucli. Malvern. Melbourne.

Blackwood Settee.
C. B. Brady's Kcsidence, Launccston.

Blackwood.
Speaker's Chair, Tasmanian Assembly.

85

=:^

-.^y^-.

CL_

Blackwood Pulpit.
Church of the Apostles, Launceston, Tasmania.

86

Blackwood Pews.
St. David's Cathedral, Hobart.

87

Blackwood.
St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne.

Blackwood Pulpit.
St. Paul'.s Cathedral, Melbourne

Myall.

(Acacia poulnla, A. Cunii.)

Tlus is one of the hardest and heaviest of the Acacia timbers, and is only suitable for
dark heavy furniture, being in this feature a rival to the famous black Oak of the Old Country,
so much in vogue in the 15th and i6th centuries, and even later. It is close in texture, not too
distinctly figured, polishes and turns well ; it could also be utilised for all kinds of small
ornamental articles, such as cutlery cases, &c., and would have a very rich appearance if
mounted with silver.

Description of the Tree. — An Acacia which attains tree size and is easUy distinguished
by its willowy character, which giv^es it an attractive appearance; branchlets slightly
angular, soon terete. Phyllodia of a glaucous hue, linear lanceolate, falcate, acuminate,
narrowed towards the base, 2 to 3 inches long, coriaceous, indistinctly finely striate,
often with a recurved point. Inflorescence in short a.xiUary racemes, each head containing
from twelve to twenty flowers. Pod linear, very flat, nearly 3 inches long and | inch
broad, the valves reticulate, the sutures bordered by a very narrow wing. Seeds oval,
placed obliquely ; arillus with three or four short folds near the hUum.

Geographical Range. — From the Maranoa River, Oueenshind, to morasses of the
I.achlan and Western Plains New South Wales.

89

Brigalow^.

(Acaciii hoDialopJivIhi, A. Cunn.)

Brigalow trees differ in one respect from many of their congeners, as they are gregarious
and the term Brigalow scrub is common o^'er a fair area of the States of New South Wales and
Queensland. The timber is dark-coloured, hard, heavy, and suitable for heavv work of a smaller
size, as only on rare occasions does it reach large dimensions. The remarks concerning Myall
are also applicable to this timber.

Description of tlie Tree. — A fair-sized tree found well to the west of the Eastern Coast
Range, with a liard. compact, furrowed bark. Phyllodia pale or glaucous, varying in length
from 3 to 9 inches, narrowed at both ends, coriaceous, pale or glaucous, with several veins
fairly well marked. Inflorescence in axillary clusters with slender peduncles under i inch
long, the globular head of flowers containing about twelve to fifteen flowers. Pods narrow,
under 6 inches long, constricted between the seeds, oval ; arillus short and straight.

Geographical Range. — Abundant on the barren heaths of the interior from the
Lachlan River to the Barrier Range ; also in \'ictoria.

90

Gidgca.

(Acacia (\i))ih'ii;ci , R.I'.IJ.

Like most Acacias of the interior, tlie timber is very dark coloured, close grained,
and heavv. When the fibres are interlocked or cross grained, it is tlun known as " ringed
Gidgea," and this is in great recjnest for turnery, for then tlie \va\y appearance of the
wood produces a pretty figure, the undulations of light and shade being very effective. For
this reason it is much in request for walking sticks, table legs, balusters, newel posts. &c.
When the late Sir George Dibbs was in " durance vile," for conscience' sake, he turned a walking
stick, and presented it to King Edward VII, who graciously accepted it. The result of this little
exchange of courtesy was that the Museum was inundated with letters from Home from
walking-stick makers desiring to be supplied with timber of Ring Gidgea. This ring character
is found to obtain in other Australian woods. The straight grained timber would be very suitable
for heavy cabinet work, and other solid specimens of Applied Art. In the Western area of
New South Wales, especially at Rourke and beyond, it is fairly ]:>lentiful, and forms the principal
fuel where coal is scarce.

Description of the Tree. — A medium-sized tree with pendulous branchlets, tfie
foliage ol a pale or glaucous hue; branchlets angular; phyllodia falcate, lanceolate,
obtuse or slightly acuminate, uj) to 5 inches long, and from 5 to () lines broad, with
numerous tine parallel vems, two or three more prominent than the rest, thin or
membraneous. Peduncles about 3 lines long, slender in axillar}' clusters of about six,
each bearing a globular head of about twelve flowers. Sepals broad, spathulate, ciliate
on the upper edge, free, and less than half as long as the petals. Petals glabrous. Pod
flat, straight, about 3 lines long and 4 lines broad, veined, valves thin, not contracted
between the seeds. Seeds ovate, longitudinal, or slightly oblique, funicle short,
filiform, not folded nor dilated.

Geographical Range. — Interior of New South Wales and Queensland.

Qi

Tortoise Shell Tulip.

{Pithccolobium Hcmiersoni, F.v.M./

The greatest recommendation in this timber is the tine figure and colour of its grain,
the latter being a mixture of pink and yellow, and these are further enhanced by polishing. It is
a light, soft timber, with a sap wood which must be removed, as it is liable to the attacks of
borers, therefore only the duramen can be used for cabinet work. It planes well, and has a
free and open grain, and looks handsome polished. It is suitable for any kind of internal
decoration, such as railway and elevator cars, fancy ornamental boxes, cabinets, trays, &c.

Description of the Tree. — A lair-sized tree of tlie brush lands of tlie Coast, witli a
thin, comparatively smooth, bark. Leaves consisting of pinnae from one to two: leaflets,
four to sLx, oblique, sessile, without any gland but one at the junction of the pinnae-
Flowers large, sessile, in globular heads. Corolla about I inch long. Stamens about
li inches long, greenish-white. Pods curved, i to i inch broad, outer margin undu-
late, dee]i red inside. Seeds black, shining.

Geographical Range. — Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Coast
districts.

Q2

r 'v:fm ' ,

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1

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li

1 :!

il

: i ■ !

'if

mi

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M .

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Tt

iLL TULIP.

(PlTMl

i>i:ksm- i / . .,U.)

NATURAL ORDEff.

SAXIFRAGE^E.

:^ 3^

The representatives of this world-wide Order occur m almost e\'erv State of the Commonwealth, and range in
size from a small herbaceous annual to a fair-sized forest tree. The ]irincipal Australian timbers in this connection
are : —

Coach wood (Ceratopetalum apetaluin, I). Don).

Corkwood {Ackama Muelleri, Benth.).

{Wcinmannia rubijolia, F.v.M.).

Plumwood (Kmryphia Moorei, F.v.M.).

Coachwood is a first-class timber, and the supply is plentiful, but the wood is not appreciated so much to-day
as previously. Coachwood's day will yet come in Australian cabinet work.

Species Ii.lustr.\ted in romuR : —

Coachwood (('cratopctahnn apeliihiin, D. Don).
Corkwood (Ackama Muelleri. Benth.).

93

-.^

Coachwood.

{Ccratopdalum a pet alum, D. Don.^

This timber, often known also as " Leatherjacket," was one of the earhest used in
coachbuilding, but is not much employed now, although the reason for its being discarded
is not obvious. It is a timber that is readily differentiated from others, being characterised
by a sweet perfume, named by chemists as Courmarin. This feature should be known by
the trade, as other timbers are sometimes sold for Coachwood, but the odour test is an
infallible one. It is fairly light in weight, and has a colour inclinmg to pale pink. The figure
is marked, and sometimes ornamental. It takes a splendid polish, is easily worked, and
strong, and it is difficult to explain how its utilisation in the cabinet trade is neglected. It
has been used for gun stocks, broom heads, bodies of buggies, and can be bent to any shape
required. It should be very useful for chair-making, or for any purpose where a light, tough
timber is required. Some regard it as a good substitute for English Ash, and not very inferior
to American Hickory. The late Sir William Macarthur exhibited in the London Exhibition,
1851, a table of it, made in Paris from wood taken home by himself. This piece of furniture is
now at Camden Park, and demonstrates what a splendid timber it is for this purpose.

Description of the Tree. — A beautiful, fragrant tree, found in tlie Mountains and
East Coast district. ha\-ing a smooth, whitish, hard bark, attaining a height ot about 60
feet or more. Leaflets usually solitary, only occasionally found in threes in early growth,
up to 12 inches long, but commonly under f) inches, ovate, lanceolate, obtusely serrate,
sometimes shining, reticulations well marked on underside, articulate on a petiole of | to
I inch long. Flowers numerous in terminal dense corymbose cymes or panicles, usually
shorter than the last leaves. Petals, none. Calyx-lobes acute, about \ inch in flower and
\ inch long in fruit.

Geographical Range. — Common in all the brushes of the East Coast.

94

XXVII!

Coachwood Table.

CanuU'ii House, N.S.W. (Exhibited at the International

Exhiliition, 1H51.)

95

Corkwood.

(Ackdiiid Miidlen, Benth.)

It is only occasionally that this timber finds its wa\- into the Sydney market. It is
specifically light, very easy to plane, soft, with a close grain, having a small neat figure when
cut on the c|uarter. The colour is a warm chocolate. It is only suitable for indoor work, and
even then only when little strength is required. It could be used for the interior decoration of
aeroplane taxi-cabs, owing to its Ughtness and rich red colour, and also for skirtings, mouldings^
sashes, and flooring.

Description of the Tree. — An average brush tree, with a shghtly corky bark. Leaves
opposite, pinnate : leaflets usually five, rarely seven, ovate elliptical, or ovate lanceolate,
acuminate, obtusely and very shortly serrate, varying in length up to 9 inches, penni-
veined, venation well marked on the underside. Domatia present in the axils of the
primary veins. Flowers very small, very numerous, in compound panicles in terminal
pairs, becoming axillary by the elongation of the central shoot. Fruit a small capsule,
turgid, septicidally dehiscent.

Geographical Range. — Scrubs along North Coast Railway, Queensland, and south
to brush forests, Gosford. New South Wales.

96

NATURAL ORDER

MYRTACE^.

i?& y* 5f§.

An Order fairly well distributed over the world, more particularly in the tropics and warmer parts of the temperate
zones, and strongly represented in the Australian Flora, especially in the Eucalyptus. Although one of, if not the
most prolific producer of timber in Australia, yet as cabinet woods they have not been much in demand, principally
owing, in some cases, to the heavy specific gravity. The Jarrah of Western Australia is a cabinet wood of the first
class, especially in counters and fittings in commercial houses and offices, and there are many other red woods ihat
could be used for similar purposes. Amongst pale coloured timbers, (£. Delegalensis) a Mountain Ash of N.S.VV. and
(E. obliqtia) the Stringybark of Tasmania are now being largely manufactured into furniture, bank, house and office
fittings of all kinds, and these make a splendid substitute for English Oak. Other Stringybarks are worthy of attention
in this direction. Besides the Genus Eucalyptus there are other genera suitable for this particular industry, such as
Tea Trees (Melaleuca leucadendron and other s]5ecies). Lilly Pilly (Eugenia Smithii), and Apple Tree (Angophora spp.).

Species Ili.istrated in Colour : —

Mountain Ashor Tasmanian Oak (Encalyplus Red Box (E. Ruddcii, J.H.M.).

Dclegutcnsis, K.T.B.). Spotted Gum (E. maculata. Hook.).

Stringybark (E. obliqua, L Her.). Sydney Blue Gum (E. saligna, Sm.).

Red Mahogany (E. resinifera, Sm.). Slaty Gum (E. Daivsoni, R.T.B.).
Jarrah (/:. marginata, Sm.).

97

A Mountain Ash or Tasmanian Oak.

{Eitcalvptiis De/egatciisis, R.T.B.j

A straight-grained, fissile timber with the general facies of English Ash when first cut,
but tones down in colour, when it acquires quite an Oak appearance. It planes well, and is
specifically on the light side, is strong, with a good resilience ; a first class bending timber, and
does not warp if carefully seasoned.

The tree is a quick grower, and so is one of the best for forest cultivation.

It is a splendid furniture timber, and is extensively manufactured into various articles in
this connection in Tasmania, where it is also used for Church decoration such as carved
screens, office fittings, panelling, &c.

The original common name of Ash is now being superseded by that of Oak, as manu-
factured articles have a great resemblance to that timber, and are exported under the name of
" Tasmanian Oak."

Description of the Tree.^It is a very fine specimen of the forest giant, with a
stringybark ^tein and smooth branches, and glaucous branchlets. The leaves are fairly
large in size, of the usual lanceolate, oblique shape pertaining to the Genus, often glaucous,
with a well marked venation — the lateral veins forming an acute angle with the midrib.
The}' are quite aromatic when kept in a closed box. The buds are numerous in axillary
peduncles, operculum hemispherical, depressed. The fruits are variable in shape, ranging
from hemispherical in some Tasmanian forms to oval-pyriform in the New South Wales
species : rim truncate, slightly domed or countersunk, under J inch long.

Geographical Range. — South-east highlands of New South Wales and Victoria,
and the highlands of Tasmania, where it is known in the field as " Gum-topped Stringy-
bark."

98

A N.S.W. MOUNTAIN ASH OR TASMANIAN OAK.

R.T.B.)

Manufacturing Furniture from Tasnnanran Oak and Stnngybark. Launceston.

99

A N.S.W. Mountain Ash Wardrobe.

103

104

Tasmanian Oak or Stnngybark Carved Screen.
All Saints' Church, Hobjrt.

105

io6

Tasmanian Oak or Stringybark Pulpit and Reading De
Trinity Churcti, Launct-ston.

107

Tasmanian Oak or Stnngybark Seats and Pne-Dieu
St. John's Church, Laiinceston, Tasmanin.

io8

■

1

jg

s

1

^B ■^ '^^iB

m

m

^HFi

! '

"i

Tasmanian Oak Carved Altar Panel.
St. Johii',s Cliurcli, Launccston.

Hall Grille of Tasmanian Oak.
C. B. Brady's Residence, Lauiiceston.

log

specimens of Carved Tasmanian Timbers.

STniNGYBARK.

lyt'A. I.alnll.)

A Stringybark.

[Eucalyptus ohliqna, L'Her.)

This wood is not (iiiitc so straight-grained as that of E. Dclcgateiisis, a circumstance that
ratlier enhances its vahie than otherwise, as a cabinet timber.

It is hght medium in weight, pale brown in colour, planes and dresses well, and is a good
serviceable cabinet timber, but care must be taken to remo\-e the sapwood, which is subject
to the attack of borers. It is easily seasoned. In Tasmania, cjuantities of furniture are made
from it, audit could be used for general interior fittings. Occasionally found with a ringed figure.

Description ot the Tree. — It is one ot our largest forest trees, with a stringybark right
out to branchlets. Leaves lanceolate, oblique, varying in size up to 7 inches long and
2 or 3 inches wide. Venation distinct, lateral veins oblique, forming an acute angle with
mid-rib. Buds numerous, in lateral peduncles, tapering into the peduncles,
operculum domed. Fruits oval up to i inch long and -|- inch broad, rim countersunk.

Geographical Range. — On the Coast Range from Queensland to Victoria and all
over Ta-mania, cxirpt the highlands.

Red Mahogany.

i^liiicii/yptiis rcsuiifcra, Sm.)

Only rarely now is this timber found in cabinet work, and it requires careful selection
before use, as it is subject to borers, which of course detracts considerably from its value. If
obtained free of these it looks very well when worked up into various articles of cabinet work,
especially if the choice rest with a red coloured timber. It is hard, heavy, close grained, dark-
red in colour, dresses well and takes a good polish, and is in many respects very similar to
Jarrah, and could be used for the same purposes.

Description of the Tree. — A tall forest tree extending nearly throughout the whole
range of the Coast district of New South Wales to Queensland. Leaves lanceolate, rather
large and broad, thick, drying a light green colour on both sides ; venation faint, the
lateral veins almost transverse and parallel, the intramarginal vein close to the edge. Oil
glands few. Umbels axillary; stalk compressed, number of flowers varying up to
twelve in an umbel. Buds pedicellate ; calyx hemispherical. Operculum conical (some-
times several lines long) or hemispherical and acummate. Stamens all fertile : anthers
attached to a comparatively large connective parallel, broad at the top. Fruit hemi-
spherical, usually 3 lines in diameter, rim thick, capsule sunk, valves acutely acuminate,
well exserted.

Geographical Range. — From Rockingham Bay, Queensland, to Port Jackson, New
South Wales.

X X X M .

Red Mahogany and Silky Oak Parquetry Floor
National Art Gallery, Sviinev.

113

Jarrah.

(Eucalyptus inarginata, Sm.)

One might at first think that this Eucalyptus could hardly be classed as a cabinet
timber, yet some excellent specimens of the tradesman's art made from it are to be seen in
Australia, and this species is particularly suitable for this technical application. A very fine
Jarrah suite of furniture is on view at the Imperial Institute in London. It is certainly
heavy, but not more so than English Oak. The colour is a rich red, and this is one of, if not
its greatest recommendation in this direction. Eor office fittings it looks particularly rich,
and is preferred by many to Mahogany or Cedar. It is very suitable for billiard tables,
wainscotting, baluster rails, railway carriage decoration, dining-room or library furniture, or for
shop and office fittings, being now extensively used for these purposes.

c. . Description of the Tree.— One of the tinest forest trees of Western Australia, some-
times attaining a lieight of 150 feet, witli a persistent and fibrous bark, and could be
classed as a " Stringybark." Normal leaves lanceolate, curved, not long but variable,
lateral veins oblique, spreading, very distinctly marked as well as the reticulations,
coriaceous, pale on the underside, intramarginal vein removed from the edge. Flowers
in axillary umbels or forming small terminal panicles. Caly.x top shaped, surmounted by
a conical operculum, the whole about i inch long. Fruit about | inch long, ove;iinch
in diameter, ovate, globular, rim truncate or contracted, valves not exserted.

Geographical Ran^e. — Western Australia.

114

ii6

Jarrah Fittings and Furnitur

117

w

i

Jarrah.
From a church in Perth, W.A.

IlS

Red Box.

(Euculvptiis Rmh/iii, J.H.M.":

This is an excellent hard, red wood, suitable for heavier kinds of cabinet work, but little
known on the market at present. Except for colour, it somewhat resembles English Beech,
and could be used for similar purposes.

Description of the Tree. — A reil box tree 120 feet high and 2 to 3 feet m diameter.
Sucker or abnormal leaves lanceolate to oval, acuminate, 4 to 5 inches long and li inches
broad; intramarginal vein removed from the edge. Normal leaves narrow to broad
lanceolate, under 6 inches long, venation fairly distinct, lateral veins oblique, intramar-
ginal vein removed from the edge ; drying a bluish colour. Flowers in panicles, with
about three to six in the umbel, calyx top shaped, operculum conoid. Fruits small.
^ inch long and |- inch in diameter, pear shaped, rim thin, valves not exserted, almost
identical with those of /:. crcbra.

Geographical Range. — Thirlniere, (/rose River, Taree. Bohnock to Gloucester, New
South Wales.

119

spotted Gum.

(Eiu'iilvptus nuicii/atti, Hook."^

Exception might be taken by some to the inckision of this species as a cabinet timber;
in fact, it was not till this work was about to go to print that specimens of its adaptation in
this respect were produced. The waving of the grain is a distinct ad\'antage in this connection,
and materially assists in the decorative side of the furniture recentl\- made locallv and exhibited
in Sydney. The colour somewhat resembles that of English Oak, and it is probably just as
hard and of the same texture to work. It is open in the grain and is not recommended to be
polished, as, like Oak, it shows to better effect in the unpolished or waxed condition. A
press of this timber was exhibited in the window of a Sydney firm lately, and looked really
handsome, although it was from a Eucalypt. This piece of furniture is now at the Common-
wealth Offices in Melbourne. For chairs, couches, &c., where strength is required, and the
size of the timber to be used has to be limited, it ought to give every satisfaction.

Description of the Tree. — An average forest tree amongst -Eucalypts, with a
smooth, dull, lead-coloured bark. The sucker or abnormal leaves large, sometimes a
foot long, and 3 inches broad, lanceolate, venation oblique, well marked, inti"amarginal
vein close to edge. The normal leaves ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate. 4 to 6 inches long,
lateral veins oblique and distant, the intramarginal one removed from the edge. The
flowers occur in a corymb or panicle formed by three-ifowered umbels with se\-eral together
in short leafless branches. Buds shortly cylindrical, operculum hemispherical, or some-
times conical. The fruit ovoid-urceolate, usually about i inch long and j inch broad ; rim
narrow; capsule sunk.

Geographical Range. — From Brisbane River, Queensland, to southern Coast districts
of New South Wales.

SPOTTED GUM.
(Eucalyptus macilata, Unnk.

Spotted Gum Framing, Celery Top Pme Panels.
Smoking-room, Stati? Covenior's Carna;<L', X.S.W. C'rOVfinnieiit Railways

Sydney Blue Gum.

[Eucalvptns snllgjui, Sm. ;

The inclusion of this species amongst our cabinet timbers might also be challenged by some,
as it is rarely so used, but that does not lessen its claims to rank as one, for it possesses a rich,
pleasing, red colour, and looks handsome when polished. It is perhaps a shade lighter than
Jarrah, and more open in the grain, but it is specifically one of the lightest of the Eucalyptus
timbers, much more so than Forest Red Gum, Murray Red Gum, &c. Its introduction in
cabinet work is yet a desideratum, but judging from polished specimens in this Museum it
should rank as a first-class one for this purpose. Perhaps its non-use is due to fashion, as this
is not the age of red timbers, for the king of all such — the Cedar — is discarded in this day of
changing tastes ; but fickle fashion will come again to its own, and may then turn to some of
our red timbers. Sydney Blue Gum is a rapid grower, with an even, open-grained texture ;
planes, polishes, and turns well. The fact of its being used so extensively in coachbuilding is
sufficient evidence of its strength, durabihty, and reliability, and for the heavier classes of
furniture it ought to give every satisfaction.

Description of the Tree. — A tall tree, growing to its greatest height and perfection in
the gullies of the coast and mountains. Bark, either smooth, bluish-white with a silvery
sheen, or rough at the base, similar to that of E. robnsia. "Sucker" leaves alternate,
lanceolate. Mature leaves lanceolate, occasionally falcate, drying a bluish green, pale
on the underside, intramarginal vein close to the edge: transverse veins numerous, fine
and parallel, slightly oblique. Feduncles axillary, with a few, mostly five to seven,
flowers, either on a slender pedicel or almost sessile. Cal3'-x turbinate or conical.
Operculum hemispherical, shortly acuminate. Ovary flat-topped. Fruit hemispherical,
about 3 lines in diameter, rim thin, valves very slender and well exserted.

Geographical Range. — Southern" parts of Queensland to Port Jackson, New South
Wales.

SLATY GUM.

■ INI, K.'I.B.)

Slaty Gum.

{Eucalyptus Dawsoni, R.T.B.)

Slaty Gum has a rather comparatively restricted distribution, but, nevertheless, amongst
red timbers it is one of the tinest, lor it is hard, heavy, close-grained, and polishes well. It could
be turned to splendid use where strength, weight, and durability are required, such as billiard
tables, newel posts, handrails, railway carriage parts, &c. At present it is quite unknown on
the Sydney market.

Description of the Tree. — One of the iinest upstanding trees of the Australian bush,
having a clean white or slaty coloured bark. It is characterised by its long, clean barrel,
absence of lateral branches, and glaucous foliage and branchlets. The leaves are glaucous
in both forms, but the " sucker " of the younger trees are oval, 2 to 3 inches long, or oval
lanceolate 5 inches long, and petiolate : venation well marked, oblique. The normal leaves
are lanceolate or narrow lanceolate, but rather small for so tall a tree generally ; measuring
up to 5 inches long. The venation is not too distinct, lateral veins oblique, no intramarginal
vein. Flowers mostly in terminal panicles, or axillary racemes at the end of the branchlets.

Geographical Range. — Murrumho. (loulliuni River, and to the north-west and ranges
surrounding the l.iverjKm] Plains.

123

F-luted Ironbark Columns.
Camilin Hoiisr, X.S.W.

12\

NATURAL ORDER.

COMPOSIT.^.
^^ i*' ^^

In this class of the botanical kingdom one has the most widely distributed plants in the whole world, species
being found at all altitudes and in all climes. Only rarely do they attain tree size, and, of course, Australia possesses
this exception in an Olearia (Aster), viz. : — Olearia argophylla, the JIusk of the Coast district. This Compositse attains
tree size, and produces an attractive timber of a fawn colour, and a very ornamental root stock. The odour from
which it takes its common name is found in the leaves, but so far has not yet been Isolated.

Species Illustrated ix Colour : —

Musk {Olearia argophylla. F.v.JI.).

125

^:

Musk.

(Olcarii! argophvUa, F.v.M.)

This tree is a giant amongst its class, as it is quite unusual for a Compositse to attain
arboreal proportions, but still at the same time another Composit?e, the Cotton Tree or Dogwood
{Senecio Bedfordii), exceeds it in height. It is recorded as having a height of 25 feet, and a
diameter of 12 inches. The timber is straight-grained, not hard, of a light chocolate colour,
easily dressed, takes a good polish, and should not be kept in the log, but cut into planks as soon
as felled ; the sapwood, as well as the bark, being removed before stacked for seasoning. The root
stock is large and spreading, and sometimes two or more stems grow from it. It is beautifully
figured, not unlike American Bird's Eye Maple, and so is a valuable decorative wood for
veneers, being quite unique in character. The range of its usefulness would, perhaps, be limited
by the quantity available. It would be very useful for many ornamental articles, especially
to be used in contrast with some of the lighter coloured timbers.

Description of tlie Tree. — Often a fair-sized tree witla a stout stem, found in the brush
lands of the Coastal districts. Bark light coloured, coming off in strips. Leaves alter-
nate, petiolate, from oval-elliptical to oblong-lanceolate, acute at both ends, more or less
callous denticulate, or rarely quite entire, 3 to 5 inches long, reticulate and glabrous
above, silvery silky underneath. Flowers small, numerous in large terminal corymbs.
Involucre oblong-turbinate : ray florets about three to five ; disk florets, six to eight.

Geographical Range. — This tr-ee covers a rather restricted area in the brushes of
the South Coast districts.

126

NATURAL ORDER

MYOPORINE^.

^^ 7i^

This is a Xatural Order with a limited world distribution — the genus Eremophila — from which at least one
specimen of cabinet timber is obtained, ijeing endemic to Australia. "'Budda," Eremophila MilcheUi, has an extensive
range in the interior, and, unfortunately, has also had the name Sandalwood applied to it, which is hkely to mislead
timber dealers, as it is not the true Sandalwood of commerce, Sanlaliim. However, with its characteristic features,
it has a future before it.

Species Illustrated in Colour : —

Budda (Eremophila Mitclielli, Benth.).

127

Budda or Sandalwood.

{Ercmoplnhi Mitchelli, Benth.;;

In some parts of New South \\'ales and Queensland this tree is fairly plentiful. It is a
comparatively hard, close-grained, sepia-coloured timber, possessing a pleasing aromatic
principle which has given it the common name of Sandalwood in some parts, an appellation
that is unfortunate, for it has led to the wood being exported under that name, to the loss of the
exporters. The true Australian Sandalwood occurs in Western Australia, and is Santalum
acuminatuin . This timber might, however, be used for veneers, boxes, brushes, and fancy or
ornamental goods generally. It is rarely found on the Sydney market, as its habitat is away
in the interior of the country.

Description of the Tree. — A medium-sized tree (50 to 60 feet) with a rough bark, and
a strong aromatic timber. Lea^•es linear, lanceolate, i to 3 inches long, obtuse or with a
recurved point. Flowers solitary in the axils on pedicels of about J inch. Calyx segments
oblon? or cuneate-oblong, obtuse, membraneous veined, glabrous or pubescent, nearly
i inch long. Corolla white or purplish, almost ^ inch long. Stamens shorter than the
corolla. Fruit ovoid, almost acuminate, half as long as the calyx, the exocarp thin and
membraneous, the endocarp sejmrating into four nuts, each with one or with two super-
posed seeds.

Geographical Range. — Found in the interior of Queensland. New South Wales,
and South Australia.

128

XL.

t. ..:JDL^

i-Ll, i-.il.M.)

NATURAL ORDER.

VERBENACE^.

It is troin a genus of this Order that the fannHis Indian Teak is obtainctl, and its best representatives occur in
the troi)ics, although some good specimens are Imnid in the temperate zones. The tinest trees in Australia are those
gomg under the generic name of Gmelina, or commonly, in New South Wales at least, " Beech." Some of them are
giants of the coastal brushes. The timber has been much more used in the past than at the present day, although still
a ta\-ourite with wood carvers. There are several other good woods in the (jrder, but they have not yet come to the
front.

Species Illustkated in Coloi'k : —

Beech ((imdina Leichhardtii. F.\-..M.).

I2(J

Beech.

(Gmelina Leichhardtii , F.v.M.)

The common name selected for this timber is unfortunate, as it is not a true Beech, like
Negro-head Beech of New South Wales or the Red Myrtle of Tasmania. It is, however, too
late to alter it now, but the warning is placed here that timber merchants abroad may not be
misled. The timber, a light grey in colour, is highly prized by the trade in general, being light
in weight, durable, easily worked, and strong. It is a great fa\'Ourite with wood carvers, and
is in general use for flooring where exposed to weather), deck planking, and all kinds of turnery.
It seasons slowly and does not crack on the end grain.

Description of the Tree.— One ot the tallest trees in the brush lands ot the Eastern
Coast, with a comparatively smooth, light-coloured bark. Leaves on long petioles (2
inches), ovate, large, up to and over 6 inches, glabrous above, tomentose and with raised
veins underneath, subcoriaceous. Flowers white, with purple markings in opposite cymes
or pyramidal terminal panicles. Calyx small, broadly-turbinate.campanulate, truncate,
enlarged under the fruit. Corolla villous outside, the tube broad and dilated upwards.
Fruit a succulent drupe, depressed, globular, under i inch diameter.

Geographical Range. — Southern brush forests, Queensland, and northern brush
forest, \ew South Wales.

130

NATURAL ORDER.

MONIMIACE^.

y^ V^ Jf^

A RATHER limited Order, and found mostly in the southern continents. The two best representatives here amongst
cabinet timbers are the Sassafras, Doryphora sassafras and Atherospfima moschata. both fair timbers, the former being
hght yellow in colour and without any particular figure, but the latter has often a very dark, irregular stain in long
angular blotches, which produces a unique figure and looks well in jianelling.

Species Illustrated in Colour : —

Sassafras iDotyp/wra sassafras. Endl.).

131

Sassafras.

(Dorvphoi'd scissafi'cis, Endl.)

This is a yellowish timber when tirst felled, but darkens when exposed so that it requires
to be used almost as soon as cut, for it seasons quickly. Some specimens in the Museum have
large black markings, which are not a figure as generally understood, but nevertheless give a very
distinct feature, and should be effective if artistically employed. It is close-grained, light in
weight, and dresses well. It is used for flooring, linings, mouldings, &c., and cou!d to some
extent be employed in furniture and cabinet work.

Description of the Tree. — A fairly tall tree, with a yellowish, te.sselated, aromatic
bark. Leaves petiolate. ovate lanceolate, acuminate, coarsely toothed, up to 6 inches
long and 2h inches broad, nearly smooth in upper surface, prominently reticulate on
the under surface. Flowers usually three together on an axillary short peduncle, with
two deciduous bracts. Perianth tube very small when in flower, enlarged and iiTegularly
split when m fruit. Fruit, a capsule, slightly hahy, the styles lengthening after fecun-
dation into long plumose awns.

Geographical Range. — Logan River, Queensland, south to Dromedarv Mountain,
New South Wales.

NATURAL ORDER.

LAURINE^.

RePRESEMrATiVES of this Order are found in the four quarters of the globe, but they are essentially tropical trees,
as there the species and genera are more numerous. The Camphor Laurel, so extensively grown m Australia, although
not a native, belongs to this Order. Most of the Australian trees yield good timbers for cabinet work, Init are not used
e.Kcept in the case of BoUy Gum and Oueensland U'alnut. which often have a large, well-defined figure.

Species Ilmstrated r\ Coloi'r : —

Queensland Walnut (Crvptocarxa Palmerstoni, Bail.).
BoUv Gum (Tetnuitheni rdiculata, Meissn.).

133

Queensland Walnut.

{Cryptocarya Palmerstoni, Bail.)

The botanical origin of this wood is rather in doubt at the present time. It is capable of
being employed in cabinet work and artistic furniture, being very effective when so used.
It is fairly heavy, of a chocolate colour near to English and American Walnut, rather open in
the grain, planes and dresses up well, takes a good polish, and possesses a fine figure, and hence
ranks as a first-class cabinet timber, its position in this direction being due, amongst its other
qualities, to its quick seasoning. It is altogether a good useful joinery and cabinet wood.

Description of the Tree. — A tree of a large size, attaining a height of over loo feet.
Leaves alternate, oval oblong, rounded or slightly tapering at the base. 4 to 5 inches long
and about 2 inches broad, upper surface glabrous and shining, with a tomentum on the
lower side: primary veins prominent, secondary veins indistinct. Fruit about 2i inches
long and about the same in diameter, with longitudinal corrugations, pericarp hard and
brittle, enclosing a round free nut of more than I inch diameter.

Geographical Range. — Ru.ssell and Barron Rivers, Queensland (Bailey).

134

QUEENSLAND WALNUT.
(Crvptocarya Palmerstoni, baU.i

X! I\'

SHE BEECH OR BOLLY GUM.

(TliTRANTlIERA RETICULATA. AhisSll.]

She Beech or Bolly Gum.

y'rctraiitliera rctuii/ala, Meissn.^

It would be difficult to explain the origin of the vernacular names, as the timber has
little in connnon with other Beeches. The wood is rather open in texture, soft, and a pronounced
figure often characterises it, when it looks very attractive under polish, which it takes very well.
It is light in weight, and seasons quickly, whilst it does not warp or twist under heat. In
joinery it could be used for panelling, sashes, sash frames, and fanlights, but care should be taken
not to use any sapwood on account of borers.

Description of the Tree. —A lull-sized tree, havinga thin, sinoothish, reddish-coloured
bark, but sometimes rough and tesselated. Leaves obovate-oblong or oblong-elliptical,
obtuse or scarcely acuminate, narrowed into the petiole, mostly 3 or 4 inches long, not
thick, green on both sides ; primary veins not very prominent, the reticulations much
more conspicuous on the upper than on the lower surface. Flowers dioecious, in cymes
reduced to small umbel heads or clusters within an involucre of four concave deciduous
bracts. Fruit ovoid, resting in the enlarged, truncate, cup-shaped perianth-tube.;

Geographical Range. — Kroui Rockingham Bay, Queensland, south to Gosford, New
South Wales.

1.35

NATURAI, ORDER.

PROTEACEyE,

^-^ :^

In this Natural Order Australia possesses some ot the truest ol figured cabinet timbers, and perhaps the best
known of these is " Silky Oak," as the two species going under this name have a fairly extensive gecgrajihical
range in New South Wales and Queenslantl. There are other beautiful woods to be found in it, such as :—

Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta, A. Cunn.).
Nut Tree (Macadamia ternifolia. F.v.M.).
Honeysuckle {Banksia species).
Beefwood (Stenocarpus salignus, R.Br.).

Needlewood [Hakea lecucoptera, R.Br.'.
Foley Wood [H. saligna, R.Br.).
Possum Nut (Ht'licia pra-alta. F.v.M.).

Species Illustrated in Colour : —

Silky Oak (Orites excelsci. R.Br.). Tasmanian Waratah (/". triincata. R.Br.).

Beefwood (Grevillea striata, R.Br.). Fire Tree (Siciiocarpus sinuatus, Endl.).

Victorian Waratah (Telopea oreades, F.v.M.). White Honeysuckle [Banksia integrifolia, Linn.).

1^.6

Silky Oak.

Orites excelsa, R.Br.)

A description of the timber of " Silky Oak " {Grevillca robnsta) applies equally to this
timber, for macroscopically there is no difference. The wood of this species, according to the
researches of Henry (i. Smith, F.C.S., Assistant Curator of this Museum, contains large quantities
of succinate of alumina in some instances. It is, however, more frequently placed on the
market than G. robusta, and is extensively used in cabinet work, the figure being its chief
recommendation in this connection. It is a timber much in request by coachbuilders, and also-
saddle makers, who assert that it has a capacity for holding nails not possessed by other
timbers. It is strong and durable, with a beautiful figure, being suitable for any kind of office
or shop fittings, general cabinet or joinery work. If the natural colour is not acceptable it can
be stained to any shade without obscuring the grain. The timber of this species may always
be distinguished from that of Grevillea robusta by the presence of large quantities of alumina
in the ash of the former.

Description of the Tree.— A very tall and stout tree of the brush lands of the
coast, with a thin. red. smoothish bark, having a coating of white. Leaves on the
flowering branches lanceolate, obtuse or acute, tapering into a rather long petiole, entire
or slightly toothed. 4106 inches long, reticulate, shining above, glaucous underneath;
those of the barren branches often larger, toothed or deeply divided into three or five
lanceolate toothed lobes. Flowers small in axillary spikes, sessile or nearly so. in pairs
within each bract, interrupted shorter than the leaves, usually glabrous, the flowers in
distinct pairs. Perianth glabrous, under \ inch long. Fruit a follicle, acuminate, about
I inch long. Seeds flat, under i inch long.

Geographical Range. — This occurs in the brushes of the North Coast of New South
Wales and loast ul (Juecnsland.

^^7

T3J^

139

Silky Oak Screen.

140

Silky Oak Doors.
Macqiiarie-stroet. Sydney. Y.M.C.A., Sydney.

141

Bccfwood.

{Grcvillca striata, R.Br.)

This timber is characterised by a pronounced " Oak " ligure and a deep red colour, from
which it takes its vernacular name. The tree attains a fair height, so that some good flitches
can be produced. It is rather open in the grain, but dresses well and takes a good polish, is
fairly heavy, and for decoration in heavy cabinet work would be very suitable ; but so far has not
been used in the trade, as it is not a common tree, and so is seldom found in the eastern markets.
It should look well in all kinds of ornamental boxes, brushes, cutlery cases, scientiiic
instrument cases, &c.

Description of the Tree. — A large tree with a great geographical range, found on
the north and east coast and e.\tending into the dry interior of the continent, with a
rough, thick, furrowed bark. Leaves undivided, linear or linear-lanceolate, 6 to i8 inches
long, often curved, from under a quarter to over i an inch broad, striate underneath,
with nine to thirteen raised parallel nerves. Flowers small, in slender spike-like erect
racemes of 2 or 3 inches, shortly pedunculate, and usually several together in a leafless panicle
shorter than the leaves, the rachis tomentose. Pedicels very short, perianth silky-
pubescent outside, glabrous inside. Ovary glabrous on a slender stipe. Fruit broad,
very oblique, compressed, about | inch long.

Geographical Range. — All the States but Tasmania.

142

\i \'n

Victorian Waratah.

{Telopea oreacics, I'.v.M.,

Here is one of our prettiest figured Australian ornamental timbers. In figure, character,
and texture it is a replica of the American Sycamore, so much admired in light-coloured suites
of furniture, and so largely used in veneers for decorative work. At one time the latter timber
was much in vogue for picture frames, but is not now so used. It is a close grained, medium in
weight, light coloured tnnber, which planes and polishes well, and only requires to be better
known to be appreciated in the trade.

Description of tiie Tree. — A fair sized tree witli a ver\^ thin, fairl}' smooth, dark
coloured bark. Leaves on the young plants large, a foot long, and nearlj' 3 inches wide,
oblanceolate, acuminate, much narrowed towards the base. A few of the main veins
prominent, glabrous pale on the under side. Normal leaves alternate, obovate-oblong,
entire 4 to 8 inches long, tapering into a long petiole, glaucous underneath. Flowers
crowded in a large terminal crimson head-like raceme, surrounded by comparatively small
coloured involucral bracts, under i inch long. Perianth glabrous, over i inch long. Fruit
a recurved coriaceous follicle about 5 inches long.

Geographical Range. — Southern Coast district, New South Wales, into Gijipsland,
Victoria.

14.3

Tasmanian Waratah.

(Tclopca tritiicata, R.Br.)

A rather small tree, with timber having a figure similar to the Victorian Waratah, but
having a darker heartwood ; of a pale red colour. It could be utilised in the smaller kinds of
cabinet work.

Description of the Tree. — A much smaller tree than the Victorian Waratah, about
20 feet being its maximum height, which appears to be the only distinguishing feature
from that species. The leaves perhaps are a shade shorter than that species.

Geographical Range. — Tasmania, principally on the Mountains.

144

TASMANIAN WARATAH.

T^LOfFA TRVNI.ATA, K.Br.)

rirc Ircc.

{StenoccirpHS siniintus, I'jidl.

A most attractive, delicate-looking wood, l)eing light in colonr, and fairly so in weight.
The mednllary rays are coni])aratively small, but showy, having a sheen, and embedded in the
paler tracheids of the secondary wood, thus stand out very distinctively. It is somewhat like
American Sycamore, and is not easy to distinguish from it in general facies. It dresses well and
takes a good polish, and could be used for indoor decoration and furniture with most artistic
effect. This timber much resembles Silky Oak (Orites excclsa, and is suitable for any purpose
for which English, American or Silky Oaks are adapted.

Description of the Tree. — A large tree of the bru.sli lands of the coast, having a
fairly smooth bark. It is often found in cultivation on account of its showy and
remarkable fiovvers. Leaves either entire and oblong-lanceolate, and 6 to 8 inclies long,
or pinnatifid, and above i foot long, with one to four oblong lobes on each side mostly
obtuse, quite glabrous or reddish underneath, penniveined. Flowers in umbels on
axillary peduncles, each peduncle 2 to 4 inches long, twelve to twenty bright red flowers
in each umbel, radiating in a single row round the disc-like dilated summit of the
peduncle. Perianth tube about i inch long. Fruit a follicle, narrow, coriaceous ; seeds
produced at the lower end into a membraneous wing.

Geographical Range. — Occurs in the brushes of the North Coast of New South
Wales and Southern (.)ueensland.

145

White Honeysuckle.

{Banksia intcgrifoUa, Linn.)

In this species of Proteaceae we have another characteristic timber of the genus as regards
figure, but not so in texture, strength, and colour, for being hght and strong, it is the most
suitable timber for flying machines yet tested at this Museum. It could be used most effectively
for panelling if cut on the quarter or otherwise. It takes a good polish, works fairly well, is
an ornamental timber of a distinctive nature, and is suitable for almost any kind of fancy or
decorative work, the colour and figure being attractive.

Description of the Tree. — a tree attaining the lull size of a forest tree. Leaves
obtuse, retuse, or pointed, scattered, lanceolate to oblanceolate, sometimes irregularly
verticillate, quite entire or irregularly toothed, up to 9 inches long, white underneath,
with transverse veins more or less distinct, shining and smooth above. Flowers straw-
coloured, silky-pubescent, sessile in pairs round the thick rachis of a large dense terminal
spike 5 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, bracts and bracteoles villous. Fruit a
capsule consolidated with the rachis in a thick, woody,, cylindrical-like mass, slightly
tomentose or almost glabrous.

Geographical Range. — Coastal ranges and districts of Victoria, New South Wales,
and Queensland.

146

WHITE HONEYSUCKLE. 'Showing flower

NATURAL ORDER.

CASUARINE^.

y^ y^ v^

The "Oak" figure of these woods is so well marked that in Australia they, with one exception, are called "She
Oaks," but are often designated specifically under such names as Swamp Oak, Bull Oak, Forest Oak, River Oik
Mountain Oak, &c. The one exception is " Belah" {Casttarma Cambagei), and, strange to relate, the absence of any
figure, or, for the matter of that, any resemblance to the wood of its congeners, is so marked, that the man on the land
refuses to acknowledge its claims to rank as an " Oak." These trees are plentiful in certain parts of the States, so
that if the trade could be prevailed upon to start a fashion in our " Oaks," Australians would have furniture that
would compare with any ornamental timbers of other countries. The wood is heavy, but not more so than English
Oak. The Belah wood more nearly approaches Walnut in colour and texture, but is rather heavier. It has not,
however, the figure of commercial Walnut.

Species Illustr.a.ted in Colour : —

Swamp Oak (Casuarina glaiica, Miq.). Belah {Casuarina Cambagei. R.T.B.).

Bui! Oak (Casuarina Leiihmanni, R.T.B.). Forest She Oak (Casuarina torulosa, Ait.).

t47

River Oak.

(Casiiarina Cunnuigliamii, Miq.)

Amongst Australian "She" Oaks this species ranks as the largest, for some fine noble
specimens are to be found on the banks of fresh-water streams included in its range. The
timber rarely reaches the Sydney markets, as the trees are scarcely ever cut down, being
regarded, perhaps, as a necessary adjunct to the riverscape. The wood takes a good polish,
although hard, having a close texture. The heartwood is pale chocolate in colour, and the outer
portion almost white. The figure is well brought out on the quarter, and looks elegant in
panelling, drapery poles, rods, &c., and it should make up well in heavy furniture, and :n carving,
although of course it is hard — but so is English Oak, which is perhaps more carved than any
other timber. It is very strong and durable, and for this reason it is utilised for bullock yokes
in some places, but care is required in seasoning. The two distinctive colours would give it a
unique appearance in turnery, such as serviette rings, cornice pole rings, &c.

Description of the Tree. — One of, if not the largest tree of the genus, occurring
on the banks of fresh-water streams or rivers. The timber is the palest of all the
Casuarinas. The branchlets are slender and wiry, with usually seven teeth in the whorl.
Fruiting cones are small, scarcely exceeding \ inch in diameter.

Geographical Range. — Coastal ranges and districts, and central Xew South \\'ales
and Queensland.

148

I 1!

SWAMP OAK.

Swamp Oak.

Casuanna glauca, Sieb. ;

As tliL' coinmon name implies, this tree, which attains a considerable height, with a
corresponding diameter, occurs in the river swamps of the coast, and does not extend far inland.
The flitches ha\-e limited dimensions, but nevertheless of sufficient sizes to be utilised in many ways
in cabinet work, either in the solid or veneers. It is a particularly hard, close-grained wood, and the
medullary rays, being well pronounced, show a "flower" when cut on the quarter; but what gives an
additional \-alue to the figure is the dark, almost black duramen or heartwood, which is peculiar
to this species amongst " She Oaks." It takes a good pohsh, but is rather difficult to dress by
hand, but this slight defect does not obtain when machine prepared. When one sees how
the English Oak was used so e.xtensively in the past, and even now, for furniture, this timber
could certainly be used for some of the purposes to which that noble timber has been utilised. It
should make, in the solid, beautiful hall stools, benches, tables, dining chairs ; and in veneer,
man}- are the directions in which it could be used, as well as for coachbuilding in various ways.
Such a wood certainl\' deserves more appreciation in the directions here particularised than has
been bestowed upon it in the past, but is onlv used at present for firewood.

Description of the Tree. — A very fair-sized tree found growing in water-courses or

banks of the streams that flow east in the coastal district, but ahvays near salt water.
The bark is very compact and hard, and fairly rough. Branchlets slender and wiry,
drooping. The leaves are very slender and adnate to the branchlets on one side, the
upper free end being called teeth or scales. These leaves vary in number and length,
according to the species, and give the branchlets a ribbed ai)i)earance ; in this case the
number varying from nine to sixteen. Flowers unisexual, the males in cylindrical spikes,
i to I inch long, the females in globular or ovoid spikes or cones, both .sexes sessile and
solitary in the axils of the whorled leaf tips. Fruit a short cylindrical compact cone,
flat topped, about i inch in diameter, made up of numerous whorls of woody bracts.
Seed compressed laterally, smooth and shining, ])roduced at the apex in to a membraneous
wing.

Geographical Range. — Coastal districts of South Australia, Victoria, New South
W'.ilos, and Oueensland.

149

Bull Oak.

{Casiiarina LiicJiDiaiuii , R. T. Baker.)

For pride of figure the Bull Oak surpasses all its congeners ; the medullary rays are more
strongly developed than in that of any other species of Casuarina, or perhaps any other
Australian tree. They are a ver\- marked feature of the timber when cut on the quarter, some
of them measuring one-eighth of an inch in thickness and over an inch in depth. These rays
also possess some property that enables them to resist weathering long after the other parts of
the wood have decayed, — a fact noted by Mr. R. H. Cambage in his field experience. It looks
beautiful polished, having a full oak character; is a hard, heavy timber, close grained, and
only requires an original mind in the trade to turn it to good account, for it could be made
useful in very many directions in cabinetry.

Description of the Tree. — A fair-sized tree, attaining a height of 70 to 80 feet, or
rarely 100 feet, and a diameter of from i to i^ feet, rarely 2 feet. Bark furrowed, brittle
and easily removed. Branchlets robust, light coloured or glaucous, under a line (|) in
diameter, about the same thickness as in C. glaiica : the internodes ribbed, 6 lines long,
glaucous, the nodes yellow, sheath teeth brown or black, short, acute, nine to twelve
in the whorl, mostly eleven. Flowers dioecious. Male spikes about an inch long, of
a light golden-brown colour, clustered at the nodes toward the end of the branchlets ;
internodes straw coloured, teeth golden coloured, erect, short acuminate, constricted at
the nodes. Fruit cones flattened, about h inch in diameter, and consisting almost
uniformly of three discs or rows of valves, but often irregularly shaped, owing appar-
ently to only a few of the seeds being developed. Valves protruding, prominent,
sometimes pubescent at the back and front, with a well defined dorsal protuberance
extending from the base of the valve to half its length and ending in an abrupt angle
broadly obtuse or shortly acuminate. Nuts small, dark brown, shining, with a short
samara.

Geographical Range. — Interior of New South \\'ales and Queensland.

".El, if.i .a.)

Bclah.

(Casitariiui CiDnbagti, R. T. Baker. ^

The coiniuon name, which is of aboriginal origin, stands alone amongst its congeners,
for the rest of the group of these trees have more descriptive local names, such as Bull Oak,
She Oak, Forest Oak, &c. It is now a well-known tree of the interior, and is differentiated
without difficulty from its famil\-, "Oaks," both in the field and herbarium, but more especially
in a ligneous classirtcation, for the timber is quite characteristic and has no resemblance to that
of any of the other Casuarinas. The common name. Oak, has been applied to all the Australian
Casuarinas except this one, a fact probably due to the nature of the timber, which is cjuite devoid
of the Ouercus feature of all the other woods of the genus. It is very dark in colour, hard,
close grained, without a figure, and but for this latter defect might be classed as a " Walnut "
coloured timber. It dresses to a hard, firm, even surface, takes a good polish, and could
be used for several forms of cabinet work where solidity is a sine qua non.

The coloured illustration is given in connection witfi this species to show the contrast between
it and other Casuarina timbers, and it will be seen, there is nothing macroscopically to associate it
with the timbers of other Casuarinas, the medullary rays being wanting ; the colour is also quite
exceptional ; in fact, as shown by me before our local Linnean Society in 1911, it may be regarded
as the anomalous species of the genus. At a casual glance it might easily be mistaken for a
Myall or Brigalow, from its colour and texture, although it has no aroma such as obtains in
their case.

Description of the Tree. — A tree attaining a height oi Ironi 70 to loo Icet. dioecious,
glabrous : liraiuiilels glaucose or dark green in the slender (orm, ascending, internodes
varying in length up to half an inch, not prominently angled. Whorls nine to ten,
merous, the sheath teeth acute. Male spikes at the ends of the branchlets, in the slender
vaviety from i to 12 inches long, in the glaucous variety usually i inch long, sheathing
teeth erect. Cones cylindrical, about 12 to 14 lines long, and 10 to 12 broad, truncate,
valves obtuse, very prominent, glabrous or minutely hoary, pubescent on the exposed
dorsal half, with a dorsal prominence or thickening. Nuts pale coloured, 3 lines long,
including samara.

Geographical Range. — Interior of South Australia, New South Wales, and Queens-
land.

The Red or Forest Oak.

(Casiiiii'hui tondosa, Ait.)

This tree is not difficult of identiiication either in the tield or from the fruits— cones
as they are sometimes called, for when once seen it can easily be differentiated from those
of its congeners, the valves being less prominent than in other species, and the intervening
hgneous substance being strongly rugose. The timber is also distinct, being of a uniform
warm, red colour throughout. The rays are well marked, producing the usual " Oak figure "
of the genus. It is hard, close grained, yet fissile, polishes into a warm rich colour, and
could be utilised in many ways in fancy cabinet work, but not in large slabs, as the tree is at
its full size 50 feet high, and 18 inches in diameter. Like the rest of the species, it requires to be
sawn methodically as soon as felled, and stacked for seasoning, for if not it splits in a very uneven
manner, and so much timber is wasted. It is very suitable for balusters or any kind of small
turnery, being very strong. Specimens exhibited at the Christchurch Exhibition were much
noticed.

Description of the Tree. — A rather small tree growing away from water, with a
fairly rough bark. Branchlets very slender, in fact, more so than perhaps any other
species. Leaves generally four, adnate, the slender branchlets giving a ribbed appearance.
Male spikes verj^ slender, | to i inch long. Cones very shortly cylindrical or approaching
globular shape, about J inch in diameter and long, the dorsal appendages of the woody
valves covered with numerous small tubercles.

Geographical Range. — Coastal ranges and districts of New South \\'ales and
Queensland.

152

NATURAL ORDER.

CUPULIFER^.

These trees are famous the world over for their valualile timbers, wliich are more commonly known as Oaks,
Hornbeams, and Beeches. The two former do not occur here, for what are known as Oaks belong to quite a different
Natural Order, viz., the Casuarine;e. There are. however, three true Beeches here, but onh' two suitable for our purpose,
viz.. Negro Head Beech of New South Wales, and Myrtle of Tasmania. The latter is by far the better timber for
cabinet work, as it is light in weight, reddish in colour, and seasons well; the New South Wales tree is rather a
refractory one as regards seasoning. They are both fine upstanding, tall trees, and probably taller than their congeners
of the Northern hemisphere.

Species lLHSTK.\rED ix Colour : —

Red Myrtle or Beech (Fagiis Cunninghamii, Hooker).

153

Red Myrtle or Beech.

(Fagiis Cininiiiglicimi!, Hooker.

In the matter of Beeches, Tasmania shares with the mainland the pri\-ilege of having
one true species, and in this case a superior one, for it seasons much quicker and better than
Fagiis Moorei of New South \A'ales. The wood could not be confounded with the European Beech,
as the colour is quite different, being a brick red or terra cotta, and neither is the figure so distinct
as characterises the^European species. It is a soft, yet close-grained, easy working timber,
light in weight, and polishes well, and could be used for doors and sashes of show cases. It
has been used in constructing one of the large show cases in this Museum, and is giving much
satisfaction, and for other reasons could be classed as a really first-class joinery and cabinet
timber, and is an excellent carving wood.

Description of the Tree. — This is a true Beech, and is one of the largest trees found
in Tasmania, attaining sometimes a height of over lOO feet and a diameter up to 4 feet,
with a \ery dense foliage. Leaves evergreen, very shortly petiolate, broadly ovate, deltoid,
rhomboid or orbicular, flat or slightly convex, coriaceous, J to i inch long. Flowers
monoecious. Male flowers solitary and pedicellate in the lower axils of small axillary
branchlets. Perianth six lobed, very small. Female involucre, sessile in the upper axils,
containing each three flowers. Perianth limb of three small teeth on the angles of the
ovary. Fruit about J inch long, consisting of one or more nuts placed upon, or more or
less enclosed in the usually enlarged persistent involucre. Nuts two, with three wings,
and a central flat one with two wings.

Geographical Range. — Ranges of Victoria and Tasmania.

154

RtD MYK I Lt
(KaGUS CCNNlNiiHAMII.

155

NATURAL ORDER.

SANTALACE^.

jj^ j^ j^

A FAIRLY well distributed Order over the world, and famous more particularly as yielding the Sandalwood of the
East. There are one or two species in Australia that call for remark in this work, and one produces the Sandalwood
of Western Australia, although the tree occurs throughout most of the States, but is only exported from the West.
Most of the other representatives of the Order in Australia are small shrubs, but there is one exception that might be
mentioned, namely, the Native Cherry {Exocarpiis cupressiformis). The figure of this wood is small, but pretty, and
looks well when used to aid decoration in cabinet work.

Species Illustrated ix Colour : —

Exocarpits cupressiformis, Labill.

156

Cherry Tree.

(Exocai'piis cupi'c'ssi/or»iis, Labill.)

A list of our cabinet timbers would, perhaps, not be complete without the inclusion of
this timber, although it is rarcK- seen on the Sydney market. The tree sometimes attains a
diameter of i8 inches, and a height of 50 feet, so that some large specimens could be obtained
for cabinet work. It is a close-grained, lightish red coloured, fairly heavy timber, having a very
neat little figure ; polishes well and dresses easy.

Description of the Tree. — Only occasionally does this tree attain a height of over
50 feet. It is cjuite gregarious, that is, will only grow in company with other bush
trees. The bark is rough, regularly ridged, and divided into sections. Leaves reduced
to minute alternate scales. Flowers minute in little terminal or lateral, very shortly
pedunculate spikes, up to ^ inch long. Perianth segments five, very small. Fruit a drupe
or nut, ovoid or globular, resting on the enlarged succulent red pedicel, about { inch in
diameter, and known as Native Cherry.

Geographical Range. — Throughout the Commonwealth.

157

NATURAL ORDER,

CONIFERS.

^

Australia possesses a valuable asset dn its timbers of this world-wide Order. Taking first the most extensively
distributed genus of the Order — Callitris. one finds in it a timber of high decorative character. These timbers are
used extensively in building construction in the districts where it Ls plentiful, and when polished or varnished the dark
heartwood with its figure adds considerably to the attractiveness of the home. They also make beautiful columns,
and could be used to decorate artistic furniture. The Brown Pine, Oueerisland Kauri, King William Pine, Huon
Pine, and Celerv-top Pine are all valuable cabinet timbers.

Species Illustrated in Colour

White Pine (Callitns i^huica. R.Br.).

Black Pine (C. cakarata, R.Br.).

King William Pine (Athrotaxis sdaginoidcs, Don)

Hoop Pine (Araucana C iinniniiliainii, Ait.).

Bunya Bunya (.-1. BuhcUli. Hook.).

Queensland Kauri {Agnlhis robusla, C. Moore).
Huon Pine (Dacrydium Franklini, Hooker).
Celery-top Pine {Phvllocladiis rhomhoidalis, Rich.).
Brown Pine (Podoairpus data. R.Br.).

158

White or Cypress Pine.

Xdllitris g/uiicu, R.Hr.,

The common name appears pretty general throui^hout its distribution, and is used to
distinguish it from its congener, C. calcarata, R.Br., wiiich occurs in the ridges or hills con-
tiguous to the plains where C. glaiica is found. It attains its maximum height on the eastern
and southern portions of its distribution, and gradualh' diminishes in stature as it spreads
towards the interior of the Continent.

It is an aromatic timber, due to the presence of Phenol, but this is no (Ictcrrcnt to its
seasoning, which gives little trouble. It is what might be called a tissile timber. It is
eminenth' suited for panelling ; its dark colour and w a\-y hgure often gives it a beautiful character.
Turned into columns for vestibules, it is probably unsurpassed for beauty amongst Australian
timbers for this special ])urpose. Several such columns are on view at the Technological Miiseum,
and some were exhibited at the Franco-British Exhibition in London in 1909, and were much
admired.

The Callitris as a group present a variety of timbers amongst its species, and this
particular species has in itself also a variety of woods of various shades. Sometimes it is quite
pale, being almost white ; whilst more commonly it is from a light to a dark chocolate colour,
when it is much preferred for interior wall decoration of houses in the far West, and looks
particularlv well when polished or \arnished. It also makes handsome picture frames, mouldings,
and skirtings, and would look well in panelling, but is not recommended for chairs or tables.

159

It is a close-grained timber, light in weight, short in the grain, and splits so readily that it is
necessary to bore holes before using nails. The numerous knots rather add to its beauty as a
decorative timber. Having such a great variety of colour and grain, a very artistic effect could
be secured in cabinet work by a careful selection of the timber.

Description of tlie Tree.— An evergreen tree, varying m height according to
environment. In tlie far interior it is stunted in growth, whilst towards the main
Dividing Ranges it attains a height of over loo feet, with a diameter from 2 to 3 feet.
The bark is hard, compact, furrowed, but lighter in colour than that of C. calcarata,
which forms with it the principal pines of the interior.

Leaves are at first pyramidal, then decurrent in whorls of three, glaucous, the
internodes being shorter than obtain in most species ; free end short, acute, the decurrent
portion rounded.

Male amenta small, 2 to 4 lines long, cylindrical, oblong, or ovoid, very numerous,
occurring in general, in threes at the end of the leaf series, the stamens in whorls of
threes, the scale-like apex concave, cordate, anther cells two to four. Female amenta
solitary or not often found in clusters, situated generally at the lower part of the
branchlets.

Fruiting cones globular, rarely pointed at the top. about half an mch, exception-
ally three-quarters of an inch in diameter, slightly scabrous, valves six, alternately
large and -mall, the latter about a quarter less in size than the larger ones, valvate,
channelled at the base, dorsal point scarcely perceptible. Seeds two to three-winged ; the
central columella under 2 lines.

Geographical Range. — No Callitris has so wide a distribution as C. glaiica. It
occurs on the western slopes of the coastal ranges of the continent, right across the far
interior from east to west and north to south. It is easily distinguishable from its
congeners by its glaucous fohage.

160

Black Pine, Red or Mountain Pine.

This timber has sometimes a (iuramen almost as dark as that of (\ intratropica, the
darkest of all Callitris, but with a far more ornamental iigure, and so is in much request for
inside boards, for lining houses, wainscotting, panelling, &c.

The timber, however, is seen to best advantage along with other and quieter-looking
woods, for when used alone the rtgure is perhaps too pronounced.

For general purposes, such as those in which our eastern coast pine timbers are employed,
it is not recommended, being too short in the grain, and too thickly studded with knots. But
in the interior districts it is in\aluable, being used for building, fencing, post and rails — lasting
in the ground, according to some correspondents, twenty-five years or more. Others say it is
not so durable.

For ttu'ning into columns or pedestals for halls and statuarv it is particularK- well
adapted, the numerous knots and waxy " flower" producing a very effective natural decoration.
It takes a high ])()lish.

i6i

Like its congener ;'C. g/anca) it has a reputation for immunity from termites, and on this
account is highly vahied for house-building in the interior of the country.

It often contains a good quantity of guaiol, which crystallises out on the surface of the
freshly-cut timber.

Description of the Tree. — An evergreen tree attaining a height of 60 to 80 feet,
with a dark, liard. compact, deeply furrowed bark. The leaves are not glaucous, and
occur in whorls of threes, decurrent, sharply convex on the back, free end obtuse or
acute with almost scarious edges ; in the very young plants the internodes are very
short and the ridges flattened. Male amentum mostly solitary and axillary, and when
terminal in twos and threes, ij lines long, compact, rather paler in colour than those of
other species. Anthers two or three, rarely four. Female amentum as in other species.

The cones are in clusters or solitary, smooth, sometimes rugose, globose, or oval,
obtuse, 9 lines long and about 6 lines in diameter, the three larger valves being slightly
dilated upwards ; the dorsal point not far removed from the apex of the valves ; valves
valvate before opening, but the edges rounded afterwards, central columella short, with
three narrow sides. Seeds black, wings varying in size up to 6 lines.

Geographical Range. — As one of the common names would suggest, this pine has
a preference for high ground, but it is not solely restricted to elevations. It is, however,
from its occurrence in such situations that has given rise to the term " Pine Ridge," so
frequently found on our maps. It is fairly well distributed on the Eastern States of the
Commonwealth.

162

k

i63

King William Pine.

■^Atlirotaxis selaginoides, Don.;

This is one of Tasmania's finest softwood timbers. It has hardly the usual pale colour of
the Pines, having a pinkish tint, but is, nevertheless, a beautiful timber, being easy to work, light
in weight, very evenly grained, the autumnal rings contrasting with the ^'ernal ones and
producing a soft, pleasing effect. It planes well and easy, takes a good polish, and is eminently
suited for violins, and for ^'arious forms of cabinet work requiring lighter shades of colour.
It is very similar to Californian Redwood {Sequoia sempervirens), and, like it, ver\- suitable for
mouldings, skirtings, or any kind of joinery work not requiring strength, and in addition
has a great reputation for durabilitv.

Description of the Tree. — Leaves small, homomorphic, decussate or in close spires,
appressed or spreading. Male amentum terminal, catliin-like ; microsporophylls spirally
arranged, imbricate, shortly attached, scale or leaf-like e.xpansion. oblong, sagittate and
peltate, bearing two-celled sporangia ; the pollen cells are globose or three-sided, with
two or three bands. Female amentum is composed of spirally arranged imbricate macro-
sporophj'lls, bearing from three to six pendulous ovules.

Fruit cones terminal, sessile, small, globular, composed of woody scales wedge-
shaped at the base, thickened upwards, dilated at the ape.x, below which is a dorsal point.
Seeds few under each scale, ovate, compressed, with a transverse hilum and two longi-
tudinal wings, the integument being crustaceous. The cotyledons number two.

This is a larger tree than either of its congeners, and has loosely spreading slightly
imbricate leaves, measuring about 4 lines long. Cones about | inch in diameter.

Geographical Range. — Tasmania.

164

Hoop Pine.

(Arattcayiii Ciiiniiii'^/uiHiii, Ait.)

This Conifer is one of the giants of these scrubs, and some rniUions of feet have been
drawn from these primeval forests since the occupation of this continent by the white man,
being one of the few pale, soft timbers of this country. It is light in weight and colour, free
working, possesses all the characteristics of a Pine timber, and is used e.xtensively for flooring,
linings, mouldings, skirtings, doors, and joinery generally, in addition to all the cheaper kinds
of cabinet work. It can also be used for panelling in railwav carriages. Decays quickly on
exposure to dan:pness.

Description of the Tree. — Thi.s is one of the largest of Australian Pines, attaining
sometime^ a height of 200 feet. The bark is characteristic, having the appearance of
horizontal hands (hence the name Hoop Pine), and is hard, compact, and permeated
with oleo-resin cells. Leaves are dimorphic, being crowded, spirally arranged, imbricate,
incurved, 3 to 4 lines long, ribbed, pungent, pointed, in one case, and on the lower branches
spreading, straight, vertical, decurrent, and sometimes over an inch long. Male amentum
sessile, cylindrical, compact, 2 to 3 inches long, about 4 lines in diameter ; the scale-like
apices of the stamens are ovate-rhomboidal and acute.

Fruit cones ovoid, about 4 inches long and 3 inches in diameter, the scales broadly
cuneate. the original sporophyll apex developing into a recurved, rigid, acute point.

Geographical Range. — Confined to the scrubs of the North Coast districts of New
South \\'alr< and Southern Oucensland.

165

Hoop or Colonial Pine Pews.
Presbyterian Church, Glebe, Sydney.

i66

BUNYA BUNYA.

.VII. I.I, //./..A.)

Bunya Bunya Pine.

In this species of Araucaria, Queensland has oni' of its i:)rincipal sources of supply of soft
timbers. It is very pale, even grained, easily worked, and useful wherever a j)ale indoor timber
is recjuired.

Description of tiie Tree. — This is a hcautilul forest U\x- attaining over 150 feet in
licight, and now mucli cultivated for its symmetrical shape and the remarkable appearance
of its whorled branches, with their spirally arranged leaves, which give it a facias more
nearly approaching the South American .-! . i mbricata ih^n its Queensland congener,
A. Ctmiii)igJi(iiiiii. It is, however, a \-ery much quicker grower than the South American
Pine.

The leaves are numerous, homomorphic, imbricate. s])n'auy cuTanged, lanceolate
to ovate-lanceolate, sessile, under z inches long, shining, and broad at the base, midrib
not more developed than the numerous lateral veins, very sharjjly pointed. Male amentum
is sessile, arranged in close!}' and spirally packed catkins towards the end of the branches,
sometimes over 6 inches long, and 2 'ii<^h in diameter, the imbricate scale-like apices of
the stamens four-sided.

Fruit cones on the higher branches, ovoid, globose up to 12 inches high, and 9 inches
in diameter; the scales imbricate, 4 inches long and 3 inches broad, tapering towards
theii' winged base, the point of the sporophyll recurved and spinescent. A cone 10 II). in
weight was obtained from a tree, having also male catkins.

Geographical Range.— Coastal ranges of Queensland.

167

Queensland Kauri or Dundathu Pine.

[^Agathis [Dcu)iiiiai'a] robiista, C. ]\Iooi"e.;

The occurrence of a true Kauri timber in Australia is perhaps of more commercial im-
portance than scientific. It adds another soft wood to our all too short list, and demonstrates
that if such will grow here under natural conditions, they will flourish all the better under
cultivation. The timber of this Kauri is rather more attractive than the New Zealand of the
same genus. It is a shade darker in colour, being pale brownish ; dresses easily, takes a
good polish, and is suitable for table tops, furniture, or anything in the cabinet trade, also for
mouldings, architraves, skirtings, and the cheaper kinds of furniture.

Description of tlie Tree. — This is a fine, tall, upstanding tree, attaining a height of
150 feet and over, generally with a long straight barrel free from branches. Leaves more
often ovate than lanceolate, thick, from 4 to 6 inches long, and up to i inch wide, mostly
obtuse, shortly petiolate, midrib not prominent, finely striated longitudinally from
secondary bundles. Male amentum catkin-like, axillary or lateral, surrounded by a few
imbricate scales at the base, under 2 inches long. Fruit cones ovoid-globular, under
5 inches long, and rather less than 4 inches in diameter ; macrophylls as broad as long,
closely imbricate, deciduous, flattened, broadly cuneate, more or less winged. Seeds
oblong-cuneate, flattened or emarginate, at the end one margin produced into a horizontal,
erect, or decurrent wing.

Geographical Range. — Coastal ranges of Queensland.

168

I, XIV

QUEENSLAND KAURI.

(AOATHrS KOHl'STA. M'hin.)

HUON PINE.

.'HVIiU'M l-RASKl.IM, 1 1 . ■ k .)

Huon Pine.

{Dacrydiitm i'vaiikluii, Hooker.)

Too much praise can hardly be given to this representative of the Conifen'e family for its
good quaUties, and it is justly appreciated by the trade, for it is one of the finest soft-wood
timbers grown in Australia. For a Conifer timber it is close grained, light in weight, with scarcely
any figure, but having a pale canary colour, which considerably adds to its value as a decorative
timber. It dresses and polishes well, and could be used for panelling, or any kind of joinery or
cabinet work, and is one of the best softwoods in the market at the present day. An essential oil
has been obtained from this timber, which is fully described in " Pines of Australia," Baker
and Smith, p. 404.

Description of the Tree. -This tree is one of the best ]<n(j\vii in Tasmania, and yields
one of its tinest Pine timbers. It attains a height sometimes of over 100 feet.

Leaves small, acute, and spreading on the young jilant, in the mature plant closely
appressed, thick, keeled, spirally arranged.

Male amentum small, terminal, cylindrical, witli twelve to fifteen stamens. Fruit
cones very small, terminal, about same size as the leaves, scales about four to eight in
number. Seeds globular, about I line in diameter.

Geographical Range. — Restricted to Tasmania.

i6g

Celery Top Pine.

{Phyllocladiis rhomhoidalis, Rich.)

This timber is pale coloured and rather harder than King William Pine {Athrotaxis selagi-
noides. It planes well and has an attractive figure, a close yet short grain, and is suitable for
violins, panels, and almost anything that a light, easy working timber can be put to, either in
joinerv, cabinet work, or rolling stock on railways.

Description of the Tree. — A small tree, reaching its maximum height (60 feet) on
the lower levels, and becoming dwarfed on the higher altitudes of the mountain ranges,
the branches showing a tendency to a verticillate form of growth ; the cladodia cuneate,
or rhomboidal, obtuse, bluntly toothed or lobed, i to 2 inches long, the leaf scales very
small, and subulate. Male amentum cylindrical, stalked, solitary, or two or three together
in the axils of leafy bracts ; microsporophylls imbricate, on a short stipes, with a small
connective having an apiculation or crest ; the microsporangia are adnate, and two in
number. The femal,e amentum very small, terminal, occurring along the edges of the
phylloclade, consisting of a few macrosporophylls in a short spike, or a single one, and
individually bearing a solitary, erect macrosporangium, the upper macrosporophyll
occasionally being sterile. Fruiting scales thick, and fleshy, enclosing the base of the
seed, which is ovoid, in a cup-shaped disc, the outer integument membraneous and not
winged ; the inner one crustaceous.

Geographical Range. — Endemic to Tasmania.

170

I v\ II

Brown Pine or Yellow Pine.

{Podocarpus data, Iv.Br.)

It is a straight-growing tree in its native habitat, giving out few lateral branches, and
consequently some fine planks can be procured of it. The timber is at first white, but tones down
on exposure to a very pale brown. It is light in weight, soft, close grained, dresses beautifully,
and is altogether a first-class pale-coloured timber for panelling, but when found with a figure,
as occasionally happens, it is especially attractive. A column of this latter exhibited in the
Museum is very beautiful. It is also suitable for wood carving, and is a useful, serviceable
timber in either joinerv or furniture, or internal decoration of railway cars, — seasoning well,
and is fairh' strong for a Pine.

Description of the Tree. — One of the largest trees of the brushes of the North Coast
district of New South Wales and Southern Coast district of Queensland, where it attains
a height of over loo feet. Leaves variable in length, measuring from 2 to 6 inches and
occasionally 9 inches long, and about 5 to i inch broad, oblong, lanceolate, obtuse, midrib
alone prominent, shortly petiolate. Male amenta, two or three together, sessile up to
2 inches long, subtended by short bracts. Female amentum very short, 4 cm. long,
solitary in the lower axils of the leaves. Fruiting receptacle li cm. long, with one ovoid
or globular seed I j cm. in diameter.

Geographical Range. — It has rather a limited area of distribution, occurring as it
does only in l)rushes of tfie East Coast of the continent.

171

r-^j...^^.-^ ,..^t|^i)-.^^ MlliilliLTjf tJL.

172

173

8» Suggested Uses for these Cabinet Timbers.

Architraves, Mouldings, Skirtings, 6-c. — Maiden's Blush, Blue Fig, Cedar, Corkwood, Sassafras, She Beech or
Belly Gum, White Pine (Callitris glanca). Black Pine, King William Pine. Hoop Pine, Bunj-a Bunya Pine, Queensland
Kauri, Huon Pine, Celery Top Pine, Brown Pine.

Balusters. — See under Turnery.

Banks, Hotels, Libraries, Offices, Shops, Ships' Cabins. Ships' Saloons, S-c. (Fittings for) — Crowsfoot Elm, Blue
Fig, Rosewood, Red Bean, Onion Wood, Cedar, Queensland Maple, Black Bean, Blackwood, Jarrah, Sydney Blue Gum,
Red Mahogany, Queensland Walnut, Silky Oak, White Honeysuckle, Red Myrtle, Hoop Pine, Queensland Kauri,
Huon Pine, Mountain Ash, or Tasmanian Oak, Stringybark, Celery Top Pine, Brown Pine,

Billiard Tables. — See under Heavy Furniture.

Brush Backs. — See under Toilet Boxes.

Carving. — Beech, Black Bean, Cedar, Blackwood, Queensland Walnut, Red Myrtle, Brown Pme, Silky Oak,
Fire Tree, Hoop Pine. Red Bean, Blue Fig, Queensland Kauri.

Coachbuilding, Road Vehicles (Finishing and Decorating). — Crowsfoot Elm, Maiden's Blush, Cedar, Black and
Red Bean, Sally, Myall, Blackwood, Coachwood, Spotted Gum, Sydney Blue Gum, Silky Oak, Beefwood.

Columns. — See under Turnery.

Cornice Pole and Rings. — See under Toilet Boxes.

1/4

Cottage Furniture.— M^.k\on^ Blush, Blue Fig, Sassafras, King William Pine, Hoop Pine, Bunya Bunya
Pine, Queensland Kauri, Huun Pine. Celery Top Pine. Brown Pine.

Cutlery Cases. — See under Toilet Boxes.

Dining Rooms. — See under Heavy Furniture.

Doors. — See under General Joinery Work.

Elevator Cars. — See under Railway Cars.

Flying Machines. — White Honeysuckle, Grey IMum.

Entrance Hall. — See under Heavy Furniture.

Framing. — See under General Joinery.

Furniture (Superior Class). — White Cedar, Rosewood, Red Bean, Cedar, Long Jack, Queensland Maple, New
South Wales Maple, Red Ash, Yellow Cedar, Black Bean, Eumung, Sally, Blackwood, Coachwood, Spotted Gum,
Mountain Ash, or Tasmanian Oak, Jarrah, Queensland Walnut, Silky Oak, Fire Tree, White Honeysuckle, Red Myrtle.

Furniture (Heavy). — See under Heavy Furniture.

General Joinery Work, Doors, Framing, Mantelpieces, Wainscotting, &c. — Maiden's Blush, Blue Fig, White
Cedar, Rosewood, Red Bean, Onion Wood, Cedar, Queensland Maple, Black Bean, Blackwood, Coachwood, Corkwood,
Jarrah, Red Mahogany, Queensland Walnut, She Beech or Bolly Gum, Silky Oak, Red Myrtle, King William Pine,
Mountain Ash, or Tasmanian Oak, Hoop Pine, Queensland Kauri, Huon Pine, Celery Top Pine, Brown Pine.

Heavy Furniture for Entrance Halls, Dining Rooms, Offices, Public Reception Rooms, Billiard Tables, &c. —
Crowsfoot Elm, Red Bean, Long Jack, Queensland Maple, New South Wales Maple, Red Ash, Black Bean, Blackwood,
Myall, Brigalow, Spotted Gum, Jarrah, Sydney Blue Gum, Slaty Gum, Red Box, Red Mahogany, River Oak, Swamp
Oak, Belah, Forest Oak.

Hotels. — See under Banks.

Jewellery Cases. — See under Toilet Boxes.

175

Libraries (Interior Fittings). See under Banks.

Mantelpieces. — See under General Joinery.

Mathematical Instrument Cases. — See under Toilet Boxes.

Mouldings. — See under Architraves.

Newels. — See under Turnery.

Offices (Heavy Furniture). — See under Heavy Furniture.

Offices. — See under Libraries.

Pillarettes. — See under Turnery.

Public Reception Rooms. — See under Heavy Furniture

Railway Cars, Tramway, and Elevator Cars (Interior Finishing and Decorating).— Crowsioot Elm, Maiden's
Blush, Blue Fig, Scrub Hickory, Rosewood, Red Bean, Cedar, Queensland Maple, Black Bean, Blackwood, Tortoise
Shell TuUp, Coachwood, Queensland Walnut, Silky Oak, Fire Tree, White Honeysuckle, Beefwood, Red Myrtle,
White Pine, Black Fine, King William Pine, Hoop Pine, Queensland Kauri, Huon Pine, Celery Top Pine, Brown
Pine.

Road Vehicles. — See under Coachbuilding.

Scientific Instrument Cases. — See under Toilet Boxes.

Ships' Cabins. — See under Banks.

Shops. — See under Libraries.

17b

Skirling. — See under Architraves.

Toilet Boxes, Brush Backs, Cutlery Cases, Jewellery Cases or Caskets, Mathematical and Scientific Instrument
Cases, Cornice Pole and Rings, Trays, 6-c. — Crowsfoot Elm, Thorny Yellow Wood, Scrub Hickory, Rosewood,
Red Bean, New South Wales Maple, Supple Jack, Tulip Wood, Yellow Cedar, Black Bean, Eumung, Sally, Myall,
Brigalow, Gidgea, Tortoise Shell Tulip, Red Box, Musk, Budda, Silky Oak, Beefwood, Victorian Waratah, Tasmanian
Waratah, Fire Tret-. White Honeysuckle, Swamp She Oak. Bull Oak, Belah, Forest Oak, Cherry Tree, White Pine,
Black Pine.

Tramway Cars. — See under Railway Cars.

Trays. — See under Toilet Bo.xes.

Turnery Work, Newels, Balusters, Columns, Pillarettes, &c. — Rosewood, Red Bean, Onion Wood, Cedar, Supple
Jack, Red Ash, Tulip Wood, Yellow Cedar, Eumung, Blackwood, Myall, Brigalow, Gidgea, Corkwood, Red Box, Red
Mahogany, Musk, Budda, Beech, Silky Oak, River Oak, Swamp Oak, Bull Oak, Forest Oak, Cherry Tree,
White Pine (Clauca), Black Pine, Hoop Pine, Queensland Kauri, Celery Top Pine, Brown Pine.

Violins. — King William Pine.

W ainscotling. — See under General Joinery.

177

9. Types 0^ Specific Gravity.

In the foDowing Suminary (lo) under the column of weights, timbers are specified as light, medium, and heavy.

These results were obtained by taking three sf)ecimens of Australian timbers, standard testing size, as t5rpes of
each class, and then comparing the data of exotic timbers of equal dimensions with these three, Snd thus in some degree,
a comparati\^ weight classification was arrived at. The specimens were all well seasoned.

Types of Each Class.

Class.

.AnstraJiaii.

Exotic

Size.

Weight.

!
I. Light

Red Cedar

38 in.

X 3 in. X 3 in.

51 lb.

American Redwood

do

5|lb-

■

American Ash

do

6i lb.

2. Medium

Blackwood

do
do

7ilb.
7 lb. 10 oz.

American Walnut

Indian Teak

do

81b.

3. Hea\-y

Spotted Gum

do

II lb.

English Oak

do

9ilb.

178

10. Summary.

S I

Name of Timber.

Specific CnvitT or \V.

Light. Medium. ' Heavy. | Easy.

Lro»»-

grainedand

difficult.

1 Crowsfoot Elm

2 Maiden's Blush

3 Blue Fig

4 Thorny Yellow WoofJ

5 Scrub Hickory

6 White Cttiar

7 Rosewood

8 Red Bean

0 Do

to Onion Wood ...

II Cedar (Red)

i^ Long Jack

13 .Maple (Queensland) ...

14 Dc (New South Wales)

15 Supple Jack

(6 Red .A-sh

iL.twn', or ffAiu.

Light brown with silverj-

streaks.
Warm pink after exposure;

Almost white with (aint

tinge of yellow.
Yellowish wood with dark

streaks.
Bright yellowish when

polished.
Pale brown

Red

Reddish brown ...

Bright to dark red

Yellow or straw colour . . .
Lightish brown ...

Pale colour, slight yellow

tinge.
Ootside white, heartwood

dark chestnut.
i art portion red, outer

portion light.

Radial face shows a prettv

• - "— •»-"'i-lkyOak.

R ■ pretty,

- to N'ew

Plain, but takes a stain re-
markably well.
Small wavy hgure.

Plain, but fairly strong and
tough.

Large pronounced figure, simi-
lar to EnglUh Elm.

Oood figure, similar in some
respects to Spanish Ma-
hogany.

Ver\- similar to Rosewood.

Ver>- like Cedar in grain, but

. ! -t.t • I •r.i.-rand heavier.
•al figure with

1 . ;re with

IC; r- ■■.■■ flowery

figure.
Fairly good, very like Myall.

179

Summary — continued.

31

32

Specific Gravity or Weight.

Light, j Mediun

Relative facility in working
with ordinary hand planes.

grained and:

Tulip Wood ..."

Yellow- Cedar.
Black Bean .
Figured Bean

Eumung
Sally ...

Myall

Brigalow
Ring Gidgea ...

Tulip (Tortoise Shell)
Coach wood

Corkwood

Mountain .\sh. or Tasmanian

Oak.
A Stringy bark

Jarrah

33 i Red Box

34 Spotted Gum...

Centre portion very dark,
outside light grey.

Light yellow

Very dark, similar to Wal-
nut.

Dark with reddish tinge...
Light brown

\'aries from light brown to

dark reddish.
Nearly black
\'ery dark...

do

Pinkish with light streaks
Grey with a tinge of pink

Dark brown or chocolate...
\'ery pale ...

A rich dark red ...

Light red ...

Greyish yellow or light
brown.

Centre of log prettily marked
by irregular bands and
waves of a chocolate colour.

Has an attractive, wavy figure.

.\ very good figure, very like
Walnut.

A very pretty, bold figure.
Alternate light and dark streaks

giving it a rather pleasing

appearance.
Good figure, not unlike Red

Cedar.
Xot much figure.
\Vry Uke Myall.
Similar to Myall, but with

sometimes a very pretty,

wavy, ring-like appearance.
Very little grain.
Very like Ash in te.\ture and

grain.
Comparatively plain.
Straight grained, not unlike

some Oaks in colour.
Straight grained, but occasion-
ally curved, producing an

ornamental figure.
A very fair grain for a hard

timber.
Ordinary figure found in most

hard timbers.
Wavy, interlocked grain.

Summary — conlinued.

35
36
37

Bine Gum

Slaty Gum

Mahogany

38
39

Musk

Musk Root Stock ..

40

Budda

41
42

43

Beech

Sassafras

Walnut (Queensland)

Specific Gravity or Weight.

Light. Medium. Heavy.

Relative facility in working
with ordinary hand planes.

44 i She Beech or Holly Gum

45 Silky Oak

46 ! B-jcfwood

47 Waratah (Victorian)

48 I Do (Tasmauian)

49 ' Fire Tree

50 White Honeysuckle (plain)

Do (showing flower) x

Cross-
grained and
difficult.

■i-}

Red

Dark red ...

Light chocolate or fawn
do do

Dark reddish brown wth
white sapwood.

Pale greyish

Pale yellow

Dark brown or chocolate...

Brownish with a tinge of

grey.
Light chocolate or yellow

ish brown.

Dark purple brown
From light grey to brown

Lightish brown ... f

Description of figure,
flower, or grain.

Plain, but sometimes a wavy
figure.

A rather attractive, wavy,
interlocked figure.

Comparatively plain.

.\ very pretty, small mottled
figure, not unlike honey-
comb or Bird's. Eye Maple.

.\ rather pretty striped grain.

Verv little figure,
do

.\n attractive figure, very simi-
lar to .-Vmerican Walnut.

A wavy figure with a silk-like
sheen.

.\ very pretty figure, varied
according to tlie way it is
cut, from a large open oak
flower to an interlaced net-
like grain.

Similar to Silky Oak.

.\ very pretty speckled figure,
similar to Silky Oak.

.A very pretty figure, and
flower similar in some re-
spects to Silky Oak.

Cut radially it shows a very
pretty figure, similar to the
Oaks; the size of the flower
is regulated by the angle of
the cut with the medullary
ray.

181

Summary — continued.

Name of Timber,

Specific Gravity or Weight

Medium. Heavy.

Relative facility in working
with ordinary hand planes.

Cross-
grained and
difficult.

52

River Oak

53

Swamp Oak

54
55

Bull Oak
Do

56

Belah ...

57
58

Forest Oak
Do

59

Red Myrtle

60

Cherry

61
62

White Pine
Black Pine

(small figure)

63 King William Pine ...

64 Hoop Pinr

65 Bunja Bunya Pine ...

66 Kauri (Queensland) ...

67 Huon Pine

68 Celery Top Pine

69 Brown Pine ...

70 Do (figured or mottled)

Heart dark red. outer por-
tion light grey.

Centre very dark, outside,
pale yellow.

Heartwood red. outerwood
light grey.

Dark brown

Warm reddish

A warm reddish ...

do 1

I

Varies from almost white

on the outer portion to

a very dark brown in

the centre.

A lightish pink pale-col-
oured timber.
Yellowish white ...
Nearly white

Very light brownish yellowi
Pale yellow

Nearly white witli a faint

tinge of pink.
Yellow

The usual Oak figure, but very

little variation.
The usual Oak figure found in

other Casuarinas.
Has the largest figure of all the

" Oaks " (Casuarinas).

Very little or no figure.

The usual " Oak " flower and

figure, varying according to

the way it is cut.
A rather pretty, small figure,

not unlike English Beech,
do do

A great variety of figure, much
of it verv attractive.

In appearance very like .Ameri-
can Redwood.
Fairly plain figure.

do

do

do

The usual figure for a Pine.

Plain.

A very pretty mottled figure.

182

INDEX,

Acacia Cambagei
A. Jiotnalophylla
A. Maideni
A. melano.xylon
A. pendula
A. salicina
Ackama Mueller i
Agatliis robiisia
Alphitonia excelsa

Anacar(liace<x

Angophora sp.

Apple Tree

Araucaria Cuniiin^hamii

A. Bidwilli

Ash (Mountain)

Ash (Red)

Atherosperma moschata
Athrotaxis selaginoides

Banksia inteqrifolia (sho«-ing flower)

Do

Bean (Black)

Bean (figund)

Bean (Red)

Beech ...

Beeches and Hornbeam

Beech (Negro Head) ...

Beech (She)

Beef wood

(plain figure)

AGE.

PAGE

y

Belah 151

9U

Black Bean

66

-I

Black Pine

161

7i

Blackwood

72

S9

Blue Fig

28

70

Blue Gum

122

96

Holly Cium

135

168

Box (Red)

"9

60

Brigalow

90

63

BrOMTi Pine

171

97

Budda

ij8

97

Bull Oak

150

165

Bunya Bunya ...

"67

107
98
60

Callitris calcarata

161

C. glauca

159

Camphor Laurel

128

131
164

Carafa mulucccnsis

32

Castanospcrmtini anstrale

66

146

Casuarinese

147

146

Casuan'na Cambagei ...

>5i

66

C. Cunninghamii

148

66

C. glauca

149

37

C. Luehmanni ...

150

135

C. torulosa (small figure)

152

153

Do (large figure)

152

153

Cedar (Honduras)

32

135

Cedar (Red)

39

142

Cedar (White)

33

r83

Index — continued.

Cedrela Toona ...
Celery Top Pine
Ceratopctaliim apetalum
Cherry ...
Coach wood
Compositae
Conif erae
Cupuliferae
Corkwood
Crowsfoot Elm...
Cryptocarya Palmerstoni
Cypress Pine ...

Dacrydium Franklini ...
Doryphora sassafras ...
Dysoxylon Fraserianiim
D. Miiellcri

D. rufum

Echinocarpus australis
Eltsocarpus grandis
Elm (Crow,sfoot)
Eremophila Mitchelli ...
Eucalyptus Dawsoni ...

E. Delegaleiisis...
E. maculata

E. marginata ...
E. obliqua
E. resinifera
E. Rudderi
E. saligna
Eucryphia Moorei
Eugenia Smithii

PAGE.

39
1 70
94

157

94

125

158

153
96

25

134
159

120
114
1 1 1

112
119

93
97

Eumung

Exocarpus citpresst/ormis

Fagus Cunninghamii ...

Figured Bean ...

Fire Tree

Flindersia Chatawaiana

F. Oxleyana

Forest Oak (large figure)

Do (small figure)

Fraxinns excelsior

Gidgea (Ring) ...
Gmelina Leichhardtii
Grevillea robusta

G. striata
Gum (Slaty) ...
Gum, Spotted ...

Harpullia pendula
Hickory (Scrub)
Honduras Cedar
Honduras Mahogany
Honeysuckle (White)
Hoop Pine

Hornbeam and Beech
Huon Pine

Indian Teak ...
Indian Satin Wood

Jarrah ...

Kauri, Queensland
King William Pine

157
154
66

145

52
51
152
152
56

91
130

137
142

123
97
62
31
32
32
146
165
152
169

129
32

114

168
164

~^S)

CL

Index — continued-

0

Ci

Laurinea>
Li-;,'iiminosa'
Lime

Linden ...
Long Jack

Mai(k-n's Blush

MahoRany

Mahofjany. Honduras...

Maple (New South Wales)

Maple (Queensland) ...

Meliaceae

Melaleuca leucadendron

lilelia Azedarach

Monimiacea?

Mountain .Ash {\)

Mountain Pine...

.Musk

Musk (Root Stock) ...

Myoporinea?

Myrtaceae

Myall

Myrtle (Red)

Negro Head Beech
Nephelium semi^laucu m
North .\mcrican Sycamore

Oak (Bull)

Oak, Forest (leirge figure)
Do (small figure)
Oak. River

■■• 13J

Oak (Tasmanian)

... 65

Olacinc^

... 26

Olearia (Aster) argopliyllii.

... 26

Onion Wood

... 51

Orites excelsa

Owenia acidula

... 27

0. cepiodora

... 112

32

Pine (Black)

57

Pine (Celery Top)

Pine (Huon)

32

Pino (Hoop)

97

Pentaceras australis ...

33

Phyllocladiis ritomboidalis

... 131

Pithecplobium Hendersom

... 98

PodocarpHS elata

... lOI

P. elata (figured)

... 126

Protcaceae

... 126

... 127

97

Queensland Kauri

Quccn.sland Maple

... 89

Queen.sland Walnut ...

... 154

Quercus

■•■ '■>3

Red Ash

... 61

Red Bean

... 56

Red Bo.n:

Red Cedar of .Australia

... 150

Red Myrtle

152

Red Pine

•• I.5J

Rhamnese

.. .48

RhodofiphfPra rhodafitlienia

56

126

38

'37
38
38

161
170
169
■65

31
107

92
171
■7"
■36

168
52

'3A
56

60

37
119

39
■54
161

58

64

Index — continued.

^.

Rjng Gidgea ...
River Oak
Rosewood
Rutaceas

Sally

Sandalwood

Santalaceae

Sapindaceae

Sassafras

Saxifrageae

Scrub Hickory.-..

She Beech or BoUy Gum

She Oak

Suggested Uses for These Timbers

Silky Oak

Slaty Gum

Sloanea Woollsia

Spotted Gum...

Stenocarpiis sinuatus ...

StercuUaceas

Stringybark

Supple Jack

Swamp Oak

Sycamore, North American ...

Synoum glanduiosum

Tarrietia argyrodendron

Tasmanian Oak

Tasmanian Waratah ...

Bjdoej : \Vi

14S
34

,.. 128

... 156

bi

■ ■ I3-;
... 93

31

■ ■ 135

14/-152
174-177
137

• • 1^3

26

120

■ • 145

24
III
50

■ • 149

25
98
144

Tea Trees

Teak (Indian)

Telopea oreades

T. truncata

Tetranthera reticulata

Thorny Yellow Wood

Tiliaceae

Tortoise Shell TaUp ...

TuUp Wood

Types of Specific Gravity

Victorian Waratah
. Verbenaces
Ventilago viminalis
Villaresia Moorei

Walnut (Queensland)
Waratah (Tasmanian)
Waratah (Victorian)
Weinmannia rubifolia

White Cedar

Wliite Honeysuckle (plain) ...

Do (showing lisure)

White Pine
W'ood (Indian Satin)

Yellow Cedar...
Yellow Pine ...

Xaiithoxylon byachyacanthum

lit Printer. —Iltl3.

186

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DUE DATE

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