Timber.
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E. Bosistoana. — This tree has in many respects a superficial resemblance to E. melliodora, with which it was for a long time locally confounded in Gippsland....
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The difference between E. Bosistoana and E. melliodora was long apparent to me, from a careful comparison of the trees growing in the Mitchell River district, and especially from distinctions which have been apparent to the timber men there. The wood of this Eucalypt is much browner in colour than that of E. melliodora, and while the timber of the latter can very rarely be split into posts or rails, that of the former, although it is difficult to split "on the quarter," is, when once the log is opened, "backed off" with great ease. The principal differences upon which a rapid diagnosis may be made lie in the greatly superior height of E. Bosistoana, in its freer growth, the rhytiphloious (fibrous) bark, the smooth upper portion of the stem and limbs, and the somewhat larger fruit, with a narrow, compressed rim, and more deeply sunk orifice. Finally the outer stamens are all provided with fertile anthers, while those of E. melliodora are anantherous.
The timber of this tree is most durable, and is one of the most serviceable of the Eucalypts of Victoria, especially for work which is exposed to damp. (A. W. Howitt in Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict., ii, 95, 1890-1.)
In the above passage, where E. Bosistoana occurs, there is E. odorata in the original, as Mueller made that species very comprehensive, and afterwards carved E. Bosistoana out of it.
Mr. Howitt subsequently wrote to me: "The greatest care should be taken to preserve this timber. for the reason that where works of construction require great durability and strength combined with length of material, there is no Victorian Eucalypt to compare with this."
"Red Box abounds in this district, and I am assured by persons who are competent to judge, equal, if not superior, to Ironbark for strength and durability. Recommended to be tested for sleepers and bridge-building." (The late Forest Ranger Benson, Wagonga, N.S.W., writing in 1893.)
I have a specimen of the same timber, called "Grey Box," from the Muckindary Bridge, Bombala, N.S.W., part of a pile nineteen years in the ground. It is quite sound, but has split badly.
The following, notes concerning the same timber I obtained verbally from Mr. A. R. Crawford, of Wingello, N.S.W.:—
"A splendid timber, no faults of any kind. Good for wheelwrighting, shafts, and all frame work."
Mr. Crawford further says that this is the best Box he has ever worked, and he has worked that of Hill Top, Orange, &c.
It will be observed that all these witnesses uniformly speak most highly of this timber.
It is a brown timber, drying paler. It is hard, and without gum veins. The tree has good clean stems and smooth branches.