Botany Australian Sydney Black Wattle Acacia decurrens NSW J.H. Maiden Antique Print & Text.

Original chromolithograph after Ernest William Minchen (active 1869-1890) or  H.J.A. Baron under the guidance of botanical draftsman R. T. Baker for "The Flowering Plants and Ferns of New South Wales, with especial reference to their Economic Value" by J.H. Maiden. Issued with copy of original text.

The Sydney Black Wattle: Depicts individual buds, pistil, Pod (legume, seed and bark. Habitat is reported in 1890's as "neighborhood of Sydney" with added text details of insect, beetle and butterfly species it attracts. Maiden notes that the wood is "good fuel, particularly for baker's ovens."  The bark is valued for "tanning purposes" ie. for making a solution to prepare water repellent leather. The Aboriginal name is "Book-kerriking" in the Cumberland and Camden counties of NSW as reported by "Sir William Macarthur"

Image Size = 22 x 14 cm (9 x 5.6 inch)

Condition = Excellent. Supplied with copy of the original description.

Published by Charles Potter, Government Printer, N.S.W between 1895-1898

Joseph Henry Maiden (1859-1925) Born in London he traveled to Sydney. Among other duties, his interest in Australian flora attracted the interest of director of the Botanic Garden, Charles Moore. Maiden quickly established himself as an expert in economic botany. He encouraged research into the properties of Australian timbers and essential oils. Forest Flora of New South Wales, was issued in 72 parts highlighting the economic values of trees to assist in land management, to illustrate scientifically, and encourage public awareness, from 1885-98. He lectured at the university in forestry in 1913-21 and in agricultural botany in 1914-21. Maiden urged farmers to use herbarium staff to identify grasses and bushes grazed by their stock. Acknowledged awareness of retaining native forests, like the South Australian Conservator for State Forests, John Edne Brown. He passionately supported more parks and trees in urban developments, dispatching seeds and cuttings to schools and councils.