dead-finish

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


a rough scrubtree.

1) Albizzia basaltica, Benth., N.O. Leguminosae.

2) Acacia farnesiana, Willd., N.O. Leguminosae. See quotation, 1889.

1885. H. Finch-Hatton, `Advance Australia', p. 272:

«On the eastern face of the coast range are pine, red cedar,and beech, and on the western slopes, rose-wood, myall,dead-finish, plum-tree, iron-wood and sandal-wood, all woodswith a fine grain suitable for cabinet-making and fancy work.»

1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 355:

«Sometimes called by the absurd name of `Dead Finish.' Thisname given to some species of Acacia and Albizzia, is onaccount of the trees or shrubs shooting thickly from thebottom, and forming an impenetrable barrier to the traveller,who is thus brought to a `dead finish' (stop)»

1893. `The Times,' [Reprint] `Letters from Queensland,' p. 60:

«The hawthorn is admirably represented by a brush commonlycalled `dead finish.'» [p. 61]: «Little knolls are crownedwith `dead finish' that sheep are always glad to nibble.»

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