EEPOETS OF MEETINGS. 497 



** Kauri Gum." This Gum is largely imported from Auckland, New 

 Zealand, and is dug up out of the ground, found on an average o^ 

 9 inches below the surface, and met with in untimbered fern ranges or 

 swamps. The explanation of its being there found is thus given 

 by the inhabitants : " Yery large tracts of country in this Province 

 were once covered with magnificent forests of Kauri Pino 

 Dammara Australis, attaining the height of 200 feet. When these 

 forests were burnt the Gum (which issues from wounds in the tree, 

 and is occasionally seen hanging like icicles from the branches) was 

 by the action of the fire driven down, and forced its way through 

 the roots into the earth." This is the Gum that is exported 

 principally to England and America, and is made into carriage 

 varnish. The best quality, however, is like clouded amber, and is, 

 in fact, used for the mouthpieces of pipes and ornaments for ladies' 

 It is brittle, translucent, and gives off a fragrant odour when 

 heated. The following is the result of an examination by 

 Mr. J. Fuller: "The Gum is a resin of sp. gr. 1.05. It is partly 

 soluble in cold alcohol. The residue does not dissolve on heating^ 

 but appears to take a quantity of alcohol into itself, forming a 

 viscous mass. This becomes brittle on heating, or on exposure to 

 the air. The alcoholic solution forms a very clear varnish. The 

 Gum melts at about 320° Fah. : the residuum requires a higher 

 point for fusion. Forty-two per cent, of the Gum is insoluble in 

 alcohol. The Gum is soluble in turpentine and the oils forming 

 varnishes. It is only slightly acted on by caustic soda saponifjdng 

 slowly." A lively discussion, as to the manner in which the Gum 

 got into the ground, concluded the evening. 



