197 NOTES ON THK BOTANY OF THE INTERIOR OF NEW SOUTH WALES. By R. H. Cambage, L.S. Part III. (P]ate xii.) The following notes refer to the country extending from Mudall Station, on the Bogan River, to Euabalong, on the Lachlan : — Soon after leaving the river some of the West Bogan scrub clearing is noticed, and it is found that most of the White or Cypress Pine, Callitrifi robusta, has been destroyed by ring-barking. It seems very doubtful whether this is a wise action, as there is apparently no timber left to adequately take its place. The result of several 3^ears of enquiry has led me to believe that if a vote were taken throughout the western district as to which is the most all round useful timber there, the verdict would be in favour of Cypress Pine; though at the same time there are settlers who destroy it for fear of scrubs being formed by the seedlings. Unfortunately it covers large tracts of country between the Bogan and the Lachlan, much to the injury of the sheep-breeder, for not only does it prevent the growth of grasses, but affords shelter for vermin. Still it does not by any means become a nuisance everywhere it grows, and it is questionable whether in some instances it would not be better to give up certain areas solely to the Pine for the sake of the timber, as these areas are often almost useless for sheep. There is one quality which this tree has to commend it, and that is, it does not throw out suckers no matter at what stage it is cut down or ring-barked, so that it is only in respect of quantity from seedlings that it is considered a nuisance. It extends over a very large area, preferring the dry soil and avoiding the damp river flats. It comes eastward till it reaches U
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