_A. mollissima_, with its two varieties _A. decurrens_ (Fig. 62) and _A. dealbata_, are among the most important of the Wattle family commercially. Two samples of the former marked “Green Wattle” showed 36-39 per cent. of tanning matter; another sample marked “Sydney Green Wattle,” contained 41 per cent. A sample of _A. decurrens_, the second variety, was much weaker, showing only 12 per cent. on analysis. _A. penninervis_ (Hickory bark) is said to be particularly hardy, but its strength seems to vary. A sample from Bateman’s Bay contained 38 per cent. of tanning matter. _A. binervata_, another “Black Wattle” contains up to 30 per cent. tanning matter, as does also the “Weeping Willow,” _A. saligna_. The latter is poisonous, and is said to be used for killing fish. _A. prominens_, the bark of which resembles that of the Golden Wattle, _A. longifolia_, in appearance contains only 14 per cent. tannin. The cultivation of wattles in Australia has been somewhat neglected, but would render possible the utilisation of many acres of land lying waste, or which have already been exhausted and rendered unfit for the growth of cereals. It requires so little attention as to make it very profitable, and wattle-growing and sheep-grazing can be combined satisfactorily after the first year, when the young trees in the plantation have reached the height of 3-4 feet. In Natal the Australian wattles, especially _A. mollissima_, have been acclimatised and cultivated with success, and large quantities of excellent bark are now exported to England. African wattle-barks usually contain about 30 per cent. of tannin. Wattles grow in almost any soil, even the poorest, but their growth is most rapid on loose, sandy patches, or where the surface has been broken for agricultural purposes. When the soil is hard and firm, plough-furrows should be made at a regular distance of 6-8 feet apart, and the seeds dropped into these. The seed should be sown in May, having been previously soaked in hot water, a little below boiling temperature, in which they may be allowed to remain for a few hours. It should be dropped at an average distance of 1 foot apart along the furrow, in which case, about 7200 seeds would suffice for one acre of land. The seed should not be covered with more than about ¹⁄₄ inch of soil.