REPORTS OF MEETINGS 9/ 



wounds in the tree, and hang- like icicles from the branches. This, however 

 is not the Kauri gum of commerce, it being too new and soft. The gum 

 that is exported is dug up out of the ground, having been driven through 

 the roots of the trees at some distant period by fire. 



No. 3. — Mottled Kauri. — This is nothing more than a diseased Kauri. It 

 is, however, exceedingly valuable. 



No. 4. — Rimu [Dacrydmm cupressiumn) ; nat. order, Coniferse. — The 

 feathery boughs of this beautiful tree probably exceed in grace and delicacy 

 those of all other forest trees. The wood is hard, firm, splits straight, takes 

 a splendid polish, and is much used by cabinet makers. 



No. 5. — Kaikatea {Podocarpiis dacryoides) ; nat. order, Coniferse. — Useful 

 for furnitui-e and for building, and indeed most purposes ; but in salt water 

 it is liable to be bored by worms. 



No. 6. — Rata [Metrosideros rohiista) ; nat. order, Myrtacere. — A climber, 

 with large glossy leaves and brilliant scarlet flowers. They often twine so 

 tightly round the trees on which they grow as to squeeze the life out of 

 them. The young shoots are flexible, like whalebone, and are sold to the 

 boat builders to make the ribs of small boats ; the large crooked limbs and 

 roots to shipbuilders for the knees of vessels. It is a cross-grained wood, 

 and burns like coal, there much used for fire-wood. A log 8 inches through 

 and 5 feet long will burn for two days. 



No. 7. — Manuka {Leptospermum scoparium) ; nat. order, Myrtaceas — The 

 leaves are used to make an infusion in place of tea, and occasionally by the 

 brewers to give an aromatic flavour to the beer. Thousands of acres are 

 covered "\\ath this tree, and hundreds of acres are burnt ofi" annually by the 

 gum diggers to allow them to walk over the land in search of gum. It 

 splits straight, and with one blow of the axe, but is exceedingly tough 

 across the grain. It makes good axe handles. 



No. 8. — Potrutukawa ( Metrosideros tomentosa); nat. order, Myrtacese. — 

 Locally called "The Christmas flower." Sold in large quantities in Auck- 

 land for decorating. It grows near the sea, and bears large scarlet flowers 

 consisting of tufts of stamens, without any visible petals. The wood is 

 tough and crooked, and very ornamented. It makes good spokes for wheels. 

 It is from various species of Metrosideros that the South Sea Islanders form 

 their clubs. 



No. 9. — Totara {Podocarpus iotara); nat. order, Coniferae.— Invaluable as 

 piles for wharves. It has been found to stand longer than any wood in the 

 Auckland wharf. These totara piles are worth 3/- per foot when 50 feet 

 long, and 4/6 per foot when over 50 feet, so a tree 60 feet long is 

 worth £13 10s. This specimen contains a knot, called a burr. These burrs 

 ar« in demand by cabinet makers, and are sometimes 15 inches in diameter. 



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