Page:Timber and Timber Trees, Native and Foreign.djvu/223

XXVI.] cut clear of the centre, and very probably had formed part of one of the hollow trees before alluded to, consequently the tree to which it belonged must have been at the least 6 to 7 feet in diameter.

A plank 6 inches thick was cut from it, which quickly warped or twisted 2 inches, and ultimately went to 3½ inches, and stood at that in 1870. Upon examination then, it was found to be full of deep, fine shakes, but otherwise it was not much changed, and there were no signs whatever of decay, although it had been for a long time exposed to the weather. It seems, therefore, likely to be a durable wood.

In the Australian colonies the Blue Gum is largely employed in ship-building for keels, keelsons, beams, and planking; and in civil architecture for any service where long, straight, and heavy timber is required. It is also largely used upon the farms for fences, &c.

— Each piece broke with a short fracture.