"The Ironbark-tree (<i>Eucalyptus resinifera</i>) is . . .
widely spread over a large part of Australia. . . . A lofty
forest tree of moderate circumference. . . . It is believed to
have been named as above by some of the earliest Australian
settlers on account of the extreme hardness of its bark; but it
might with equal reason have been called ironwood. The wood is
of a deep red colour, very hard, heavy, strong, extremely
rigid, and rather difficult to work . . . used extensively in
shipbuilding and engineering works in Australia; and in this
country (England) it is employed in the mercantile navy for
beams, keelsons, and . . . below the line of flotation."
1883. G. W. Rusden, `History of Australia,' vol. i. p. 77:
"The ironbark (<i>Eucalyptus sideroxylon</i>) became from its
durability a synonym for toughness."
1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Miner's Right,' c. xxvii. p. 248:
"The corrugated stems of the great ironbark trees stood black
and columnar."
1893. `The Age,' May 11, p. 7, col. 3, (advt.):
"Monday, 15th May.--Supply in one or more contracts of not less
than 20 beams of 400 ironbark or box beams for cattle pits,
delivered at any station. Particulars at the office of the
Engineer for Existing Lines."