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26.—YORK GUM (Eucalyptus foecunda, var. loxophelba).
A tree which attains a height of 40 to 60 feet, and a length of bole of 10 to 15 feet, and a diameter of 18 to 24 inches.
The bark of this species is rough, varying from a light to a dark grey, and persistent. Inside the bark is reddish. The branches are more spreading than is the case with most trees; the leaves thick and shining, and the flowers small and white. Flowers in the summer months.
Weight per cubic foot (green)—77lbs.
At 12 per cent, moisture—67lbs.
Transverse strength—14,500lbs. per square inch.
Tensile strength-—13,000lbs. per square inch.
A dense hard, heavy wood, with very much interlocked grain. The wood is by far the best nave, maul, and mallet wood in Australia, while it may be used very successfully for felloes and other wheelwright and wagon-building purposes. The wood is of a yellow-brown colour, and carries a beautiful figure. It grows in open or savannah forests, and is to be found in the 20-inch rainfall belt. It is most common about Bolgart, Toodyay, Northam, York, Narrogin to Broomehill. Its presence is regarded by farmers as an indication of good agricultural soil for wheat-growing and also good grazing country for sheep.
