306 BIOGRAPHTCAL SKETCH OF THE 



high, are closed up by woods in which Kai-Katea, [Dacrydi- 

 tim? excelsum) of gigantic stature (80 to 100 feet), were fre- 

 quent amidst the groups of other timbers of considerable 

 bulk. These forests partake of the same character generally 

 of the other parts, for in a range I took through them, many 

 of the same trees were frequent in exactly similar states with- 

 out fructification. From the head and limbs of ajarge Kai- 

 Katea, that had been felled for timber, I furnished myself 

 with specimens in fruit, as also from a Latirus {L. Taraira), 

 that had been broken down by the fall of the Kai-Katea. I also 

 gathered seeds of Ripogonmn parviflorumy and of the delicate 

 Henealmia [Libertia micra?itha), whose white flowers form a 

 striking contrast to the heavy green of the Filices in these 

 Woods. The large pigeon and a brown macaw abound in these 

 forests, each finding ample provision in the fruit of auriis 

 Taraira as well as the flowers of the climbing plant of Panda- 

 M«, {Freycinetia Banksii, A. Cunn.), which are much sought 

 after by the latter, and other birds on account of the succu- 

 lent bracteas, which partaking of a sweetish taste, are eagerly 

 eaten also by the natives. This scandent reedy-stemmed plant 

 which first arrested my attention on the Hokianga, I rejoice 

 to observe so abundant in these woods, from which I shall 

 remove its younger plants, with the hope of introducing them 

 in England. In open places beneath the shade of the ferns, 

 I found a little Hypericum {H. pusilhim), of procumbent 

 tufty habits, and in the brushes detected Rtibus cissoides, 

 profusely in flower. A tree sixty to seventy feet high, with 

 smooth lanceolate leaves, which I had frequently noticed pre- 

 viously, I this day found bearing ripe fruit, proving it to be 

 tinothev Lauriis [L. Tawa). In the alluvial soil on the banks of 

 the river, I was much gratified in finding a plant of Pterostyli-", 

 {P. Banksii, R. Br.), remarkable for the noble size of the 

 flower, which is produced at the top of a foliaceous stem 

 a foot high. The plant appears rare, as I have only met 

 with but few specimens, after a diligent search for it in the 

 neighbourhood of the spot where I first met with it. The 

 Cowdia or Kauri, {Dammara australis,) in these woods were 



