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FORESTRY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

STATEMENT

PREPARED FOR THE

BRITISH EMPIRE FORESTRY CONFERENCE.

LONDON: JULY 1920.

London :
PRINTED BY HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE

1920.

FORESTRY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Statement prepared by the Conservator of Forests, Adelaide.

Part I.
General Description of the Country.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA has only a very limited area of forest country, owing to
the absence of high mountain ranges and the deficient and uncertain character of the
rainfall, added to which the long continuance of high temperature during the summer
greatly discounts the value of such rains as do fall. The most extensive area of forest
occurs iu' the Mount Lofty Ranges, situated near the Gulf of St. Vincent, with an
altitude of 1 ,000 to 2,000 feet, approximately 100 miles from north to south, and about
25 miles wide from east to west. Here the rainfall ranges from 20 to 35 and sometimes
40 inches per annum, and in many instances timber of fine merchantable character has
been produced ; but the bulk of this land has passed into private hands. The Stringy-
bark {Eucalyptus ohliqua), Red Gum {Eucalyptus rostrata), Blue Gum {Eucalyptus
leucoxylon). Pink Gum {Eucalyptus fasciculosa) occur here.

The soils are mainly light sand overlying clay subsoil, sometimes of an ironstone
gravel character, with quartzite occurring occasionally, and also sandstone towards
Mount Lofty.

Another area of fair forest country occurs in the Flinders Ranges, which run east
of the Gulf of Spencer, starting about Crystal Brook and stretching north to Quorn for
about GO miles, with a breadth of about 10 miles on average. The rainfall here runs
21 to 30 inches approximately, the soil being sometimes light and sandy and at others
good clay loam, the prevailing rocks being quartzite and slate. The altitude ranges
from 1,000 to 3,000 feet, the height of Mount Brown and Mount Remarkable, the
principal peaks in the chain. Here th» prevailing trees are Box Gum {Eucalyptus
Jie7}iiphloia), Blue Gum {hJucalyptus leucoxylon). Red Gum {Eucalyptus rostrata) and
Sugar Gum {Eucalyptus corynocalyx). The well-known Wirrabara Forest is situated
in these ranges.

Frosts are usually severe enough in all these districts to cut off tender gums when
planted too early, but are seldom harsh enough to cut off 3'oung pines. Other ranges
from 500 feet to 1,000 feet occur here and there, but never carried anything but
scattered Sheoak {Casuar'ma quadrivalvis), Peppermint {Eucalyptus odorata) and
stunted Blue Gum {Eucalyptus leucoxylon variety panperita). Wide plains occur
between these ranges frequently overlying limestone, and there the uncertain rainfall,
often only 12 inches annually, has prevented any other growth than dwarf eucalyptus
or " mallee " as ih-Qj are called, such as Eucalyptus dumosa, E. gracilis, E. oleosa.
E. uncinata, none of which usually exceed 10 to 20 feet high. Yorkes Peninsula,
which runs for over 100 miles between the Gulf of St. V^incent and the Gulf of
Spencer, all consists of a shallow surface soil, 6 to 9 inches over solid bed of limestone,
and nothing but mallee, dwarf Sheoak and Ti tree {Melaleuca curvi folia) occur there.

Eyres Peninsula, on the Port Lincoln side of Spencer's Gulf, is another vast area
of thousands of square miles of similar country occasionally varied by ironstone
gravel areas.

In the south-east, 250 miles from Adelaide, wide stretches of sandy country over-
lying dolomite limestone at a slight elevation give a chance for the occurrence of
considerable areas of Brown Stringy bark {Eucalyptus capitellata), and in other damper
low-lying parts Red Gum {Eucalyptus rostrata), occurs over wide areas in open park
like growth. Speaking generally, South Australia possesses but limited opportunities
for developing existing forests by natural regeneration ; but, on the other hand, she
has been compensated by the success which has crowned her efforts for over forty years
in constructive forestry, as her pine plantations have never been excelled by any other
State, even if they have been equalled.

Wt. 107 250 7/20 F.O.P. [378i>j • . B 2

Part II.
Description of Main Types of Forest Growth.

The dominating type of forest growth in South Australia is that of the Eucalyptus
genus natural order Myrtaceo?, the principal species of which are the Ked Gum
(Eucahjptus rostrata), the Blue Gum {Eucalyptus leucoxylon), the Pink Gum (Eucalyptus
fasciculosa), the Sugar Gum {Eucalyptus corynocalyx), the Box Gum (Eucalyptus
Jiemiphloia), the Stringybark Gum {Eucalyptus ohliqiia and E. capitcllata), the Manna
Gum {Eucalyptus viminalis), all of which are described in detail in connection with
paragraph 4. These all occur only where the rainfall is ample for timber production.
A few other eucalypts of fair size also occur to a limited extent, such as Eucalyptus
ruhida, E. cambagei, E. ovata, E. paucijlora, E. odorata, E. cosmophylla, but they are
of negligible value as timber trees. Immense level areas, known all over the State as
"Mallee " scrub, possessing an arid climate, with very low rainfall and t^xtensive tracts
in more elevated countr}^ carry several species of dwarf eucalypts, such as Eucalyptus
olecea, E. dumosa E. incrassata, E. calycogona, E. gracilis, E. Gillii, E. Behriana,
E. santali folium, E. cneorifolia and E. uncinata. These seldom exceed a height of
10 or 20 feet, and are of little value for other than simple local requirements, such as
firewood, &c., with exception of some species, which in favourable localities enable the
distillation of eucalyptus oil on a limited scale. Another species, of the natural order
Myrtacete, which also occurs frequently and sometimes as under-forest and at ethers
mixed with Sheoak, is the Ti tree M claleuca curvif alia), 'Which commonly occurs on
limestone areas, but it is not fit for any but minor purposes.

The Sheoak {Casuarina quadrivalvis), BuUoak (('. Lehmannii), Scruboak (C.
lepidophloia), Blackoak (0. glauca), of the natural order Casuarine^, usually occurs
as a kind of under-forest when among the larger timbejs, and in pure masses in the
more arid parts of the State. The various " Wattles," AcacitE, such as the Golden
Wattle {Acacia pycnantha), the Black Wattle {A. decurrens), the Silver Wattle
{A. Rctinodes), Blackwood (A Mclanoxylon), of the natural order Leguminosse,
sub-order Mimosas, usually grow as under-forest trees among the bigger timber ; but
some species, such as the " Mulga " [Acacia aneur a), A. sentis, A. camhagei, form
pure stretches in the dry interior of the continent.

The native pines, natural order Coniferte, Callitris rohusta and C. propinqua
are sometimes found mixed with larger trees as under-forest growth, but also
frequently in pure patches in the drier parts of the State. On the wetter forest
areas the forest floor usually carries a good growth of low vegetation a few feet
high, generally composed of a few Acacite, such as A. myrtifolia, A. verticillata,
A. oxycedrus, A. armata, A. ohliqua, A. coutiuua, A. rupicola, A. spiuscens, in addition
to which the natural order Proteacese is well represented by such dwarf shrubs as
Hakea idicina, H. cycloptera, H. rostrata, H. iiigosa, Tsopogon, Geratopliylus, Grevillea,
Lavandulacea, Banksia ornata and a dwarf form of Banksia marginata ; while the
natural order Myrtaceas supplies such shrubs as Leptospermun scoparium, L. Icevigatum,
and around the permanent wate;' springs, L. lanigerum, also a few minor species of
Ti tree, such as Melaleuca decussata, M. squarrosa and M. gibhosa ^ and in some special
districts the beautiful scarlet bottle-bubh {Callistemon coccineus) brightens uj) the
usually dull surroundings growing in damp depressions ; while Callistemon paludosus,
with its pale greenish-yellow filaments, ornaments the banks of running streams in
the mountain localities.

Herbaceous growths of varied species < from many natural orders, such as
Leguminosa:, Dillenicece, Composite^, Epacridew and others, also occur, too numerous to
indicate here.

The remarkable grass tree, or ' Blackboys," natural order Liliacecc Xanthorrhoca
minor, X. semiplana in the wetter localities and X. quadrangulata in the drier
northern forests form the undergrowth over thousands of acres, both in fairly close
timber, also in the more open park or savannah areas ; and in special limited spots on
Mount Lofty Panges and Kangaroo Island the imposing X. tateana, with its scape of
interesting starlike flowert;, towers frequently to over ^5 f^et in height, the main stem
being above the height of a horseman. In the northern drier forests under-vegetation
is usually deficient, except for patches of Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata and a few
scrubby acaciae.

k

Part III.

Area covered by Existing Forests.

The area of State forests is 159,991^ acres, which consists of 15,883 acres of
plantations ; 94,434 acres lightly wooded with scrubby unprofitable growth, only of
value for grazing and protection from erosion ; 49,674 acres fairly timbered, carrying
100 cubic feet and upwards per acre ; no data exist to show the other areas "and
percentages asked for.

Part IV.

Principal Timber Trees of South Australia.

B.EI) GvM {Eucalyptus rostrata), Schleclit.

Large tree, frequently over 100 feet high, from 5 to 10 feet in diam.eter breast
high ; tiniber, dark red ; very durable in ground ; proof against white ants when of
best quality ; splitting^ fairly, but often interlocked in grain ; unsurpassed for piles,
sleepers, bridge-work, shipbuilding and many other purposes ; selected timber
supplies beautiful veneers ; weight about 50 to 60 lb. per cubic foot when seasoned.

Blue Gum {Eucalyptus leucoxylon), Mueller. »

Large tree, varying in height from 80 to 100 feet, diameter from 3 to 5 feet breast
high ; timber, pale yellow to brown red, dense, strong and durable ; about 60 to 65 lb.
per cubic foot when seasoned ;. admirably suited for felloes, naves and wheelwrights'
timber generall}^, for which it has no superior, also makes excellent sleepers, fence-
posts, piles and telegraph poles.

Pink Gum (Eucalyptus fasciculosa), Mueller.

Tree of moderate growth, 30 to 60 £eet high, 2 to 4 feet diameter breast high ;
timber very dense and heavy, exceedingly durable in the ground, stands great
transverse strain, therefore used in cross-beams to carry screw in wine and oil presses ;
combines all the best qualities of the two preceding timbers, but its distribution is
very limited and the quantity available very small ; bright pink in colour when first
split, but rapidly turns dull red on 'exposure ; weight per cubic foot, seasoned,
65 to 70 lb.

Box Gum {Eucalyptus hemiphJoia), Mueller.

Tree of fair size, from 50 to 90 feet high, 2 to 4 feet diameter breast high ; timber
dense, heavy and interlocked, usually pale yellow, sometimes pinkish brown; makes
excellent felloes, naves, spokes, shafts, piles, sleepers, also good mauls, but often
" pipey "; weight about 60 to 70 lb. per cubic foot when seasoned.

Sugar Gum {Eucalyptus corynocalyx), Mueller,

A fine tree, from 80 to 120 feet high, diameter 3 to 5 feet breast high ; timber
yellowish brown in colour, very dense and heavy ; old matured timber, weighing 80 lb.
per cubic foot green and about 65 to 70 lb, seasoned, makes good piles, mining timber,
fencing material and sleepers and telegraph poles, but shorter in grain than preceding-
timbers ; selected specimens furnish superior veneers.

Brown St RiNGYB ARK {Eucalyptus capitellata), Smith.

A fine tree, usually 50 to 100 feet high, diameter 2 to 4 feet breast high ; timber
pale yellow in younger to brown in old matured trees ; well suited for posts and rails,
telegraph poles, building material, gate making, &c., regarded as equal to hickory for
buggy work and framing of vehicles, drays, &c. ; preponderates in the south-east of
South Australia; seasoned weight about 50 to 60 lb. per cubic foot,

Stringybark {Eucalyptus ohliqua), I'Herit.

A fine tree, often of somewhat larger size than the preceding, the timljer, though,
serviceable, is not equal to the foregoing ; it usually has more gum veins, makes good
mining timber, fencing posts, gate timber and house-building material, when selected.

[3789]

*6

This tree occurs mainly in the Monnt Lofty Ranges, where it attained in the early days
very fair dimensions, ere the forest was picked over ; seasoned weight about 50 to 60 lbs.
per cubic foot.

Maxxa Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), Labill.

Fair sized tree, from 50 to SO feet high, diameter 2 to 3 feet breast high, timber
yellowish brown, interlocked suitable for rough boards and fencing posts ; often not
durable in the ground for any length of time, though in some cases it has lasted
twenty years. About 50 to 55 lbs. per cubic foot when seasoned.

Native Pine (Callitris rohusta).

Moderate sized tree, 20 to 50 feet high. Timber, pale yellow, makes good telegraph
poles and posts, and when large enough serves for slabs for rough sheds ; grows in the
northern part of the State.

(Callitris propinqua.)

Similar in most details to the preceding and used for the same purposes, usually
found south of Adelaide and in the Murray district. Not generally so reliable as the
northern species, though standing well in many cases ; good sawn timber has been
obtained from this pine when of large enough size, but the timber is too brittle and
short-grained and subject to shakes.

Part V.

Ownership of Forests.

The area belonging to the State is 159,09 1|- acres. There are no areas under the
control of municipal bodies or other corporate bodies except possibly a few small plots
set apart as ornamental gardens. There are no details procurable showing any areas
owned privately.

Part VI.

Relationship of the State to tee Forests.

(ft.) Legislation. — The Forest Act of 252/1882 provides that the control of forests
shall vest in the Commissioner of Forests with ample powers to deal with all
circumstances which may arise.

(h.) Administrative Methods of Forest Development. — A very efficient system of
fire protection has been in progress for many years, which is constantly being extended
as plantations are increased and forest areas are extended. The planting of waste and
poorly timbered areas has for over fort}^ years been a prominent feature in the Forest
Department's operations, and though the hardwoods planted have only gradually
yielded produce of value, seeing that at least fifty years are needed to mature them,
the Pine plantations have proved beyond all fear of contradiction the high value to be
attained with them. Recently a plantation of 19.2 acres has been sold and clear-felled
by the purchaser, and after every stick down to 3 inches diameter has been accurately
measured, the return shown has been 98,000 super to the acre, as the result of
thirty-seven years' growth, giving average annual increment of 222 cubic feet per acre.

(c.) Assistance (jiven to Forestry. — This Department has distributed during the
thirty-eight years 10,140,000 trees to private applicants and Corporations and has
always readily given, both in catalogues issued annually and by letter, all expert
advice at any time asked for.

Part VII.

The Forest Authority.

The Forest Department is administered by the Conservator of Forests, subject to
the control of the Commissioner of Forests, who is a member of the Government, and
he is assisted by a forest inspector and foresters and assistant foresters, foremen
and nurserynrien in the various forests and by a staff consisting of chief clerk and
other clerical officers in the departmental centre in the city of Adelaide. The^

subordinate oflficers obtain their training on the reserves, and th(> higher officers are
now trained at the University, though formerly they gained all their knowledge by
practical work in the forests. The Conservator's annual report embraces all the
important features of the year's operations and shows the details of expenditure.

Part VIII.

Forestry Activities of Municipal and Corporate Bodies, Private Companies

AND Private Individuals.

Municipal and corporate bodies, private companies and private individuals have
only planted the trees granted under the system of free distribution of tree stock from
the nurseries of the Forest Department.

Part IX.
Professional and other Societies interested in Forestry.

No special interest worth mentioning has been taken by professional and other
societies in the utilisation of forest products.

Part X.

Education, Research and Experimental Work.

A forestry course at the Adelaide University has been established for some years,
the details of which are set out in prospectus, copy of which is attached hereto.

The Lecturer in Forestry has carried out some useful work of an experimental
character in connection with the artificial seasoning of timber for sleepers, but it is
rather too early yet to determine the results accurately.

Part XL

Annual Increment and Utilisation of Home-Grown Timber.

The exploitation of timber in various forest districts has been carried on in such
an irregular intermittent way by so many little *' spot " mills outside of State control
that no records have ever been obtainable on which any satisfactory returns can be
founded as to utilisation of home-grown timber, and as no proper timber surveys
have been made of the natural forests, estimates of timber procurable have usually been
founded upon general inspections of the forests by men of practical experience, such
as saw-millers and saw-pitmen, whose opinion is usually fairly correct.

Part XIL

L Forest Industries.

The State Forest Department at present employs fifty mill hands, more or less, for
such periods as its mills are intermittently working in the business of carting case
material.

From 1903, when this work began, to the end of the 30th June, 1919, 850,961 cases
have been cut, of a gross value of 34,392Z. at the place of preparation ; no pulping or
wood distillation has been undertaken.

Part XIIL
Exports and Imports of Timber.

(a.) This State exports no timber, but imports what hardwoods she needs from.
Western Australia and Tasmania.

(b.) Data for imports are of no value owing to their imperfect character, as much
of the timber received comes through other States, and is not recorded as an importation
into this State at all.

Part XIV,

Summary and Outlook.

As the necessary iuformatioii on the points raised is wanting, it is not possible to
estimate how far the quantity annually used exceeds the annual increments, though it
is safe to say that it far exceeds the amount annually produced. It is therefore
expected that importations of hardwoods will continue, but it is anticipated that the
pine plantations now established with those that will be created under a vigorous
forest policy will ultimately overtake the demand for softwoods and prove equal to the
State's requirements.

N.B. — Owing to the deficiency of the necessary data it has not been possible to
deal with Tables I- VII in the way desired.

WALTER GILL,

Conservator of Forests.
Adelaide, South Australia, May 19, 1920.

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.ujiding ONLY
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