This tree is found abundantly in several parts of the colony, and there are already seven described species. It is named “_grass tree_” by the colonists from its long pendent grassy foliage, and “_yellow gum tree_” from secreting a quantity of yellowish gum.[27] It is a tree of curious growth, and I have seen the species called _hastile_ from eight to ten feet high, and the trunk sometimes surmounted by from two to four heads; each bearing a flowering stem, which rises from the centre of the foliage to the length of six feet and upwards: it is round and very light, combining lightness with strength, and is used by the aborigines for making their spears, fish gigs, &c. The scape terminates in a cylindrical spike; the flowers are small, white, and numerous; an albumen is secreted from them of a sweet taste, which is eaten by the natives and birds, and is also a source of attraction to multitudes of ants and other insects; the capsules are triangular, and contain three flat black seeds in distinct cells. It secretes a yellow gum, resembling very much in appearance, though not in quality, the gamboge; externally it has a dull yellow appearance, but breaks with a bright yellow fracture, and is often streaked internally with red. In its natural state it has no fragrant smell, but by the action of fire it diffuses an agreeable odour, resembling that produced by frankincense, instead of which, I believe, it has been used in the Roman Catholic churches on the continent. It exudes spontaneously from the trunk, in very small globules, and is found in very thin layers about the bases of the petioles of the leaves, but may be melted into large masses. The resin (more commonly known as the gum acaroides) is slightly bitter, pungent and astringent, and has been used in dyspeptic, dysenteric, and other cases; but not with such success as to cause it to be admitted into our materia medica. The floral beauties were profusely lavished, and the brilliancy and gaiety they impart to the otherwise arid country during the full flowering season, are to be equalled but by few countries. The present season was later than usual, from the coldness of the weather continuing for a more advanced period of the year than had been experienced for many years in New South Wales. On our arrival the thermometer was lower than we had experienced it in 41° south latitude, or when passing the Cape during the winter season. During the remainder of the month of August, the range of the thermometer was min. 45°, max. 58°.