Eucalyptus rostrata, Schlechtendal.

The Red Gum of Victoria, South Australia and many river flats in the interior of the Australian continent. Although a native tree of this colony, it has been introduced into this list on account of its wood being of extraordinary endurance underground, and for this reason so highly valued for fence-posts, piles and railway sleepers; for the latter purpose it will last at least a dozen years, and, if well selected, much longer. It is also extensively used by shipbuilders—for main stem, stern post, inner post, dead wood, floor timbers, futtocks, transomes, knight head, hawsepieces, cant, stern, quarter and fashion timber, bottom planks, breasthooks and riders, windlass, bowrails, &c. It should be steamed before it is worked for planking. Next to the Jarrah from West Australia this is the best wood for resisting the attacks of sea-worms and white ants. For other details of the uses of this and other native trees refer to the Reports of the Victorian Exhibitions of 1862 and page 22 1867. The tree attains a height of fully 100 feet. The supply for our local wants falls already short, and cannot be obtained from Tasmania, where the tree does not naturally exist.