THE KARAKA FAMILY 233 



throw the seeds of fire into several trees. Amongst these were 

 the kaikomako, malioe, totara, and pate. Thus he obtained 

 the coveted knowledge, for if a sharp pointed kaikomako stick 

 is worked vigorously along the surface of a flat piece of mahoe 

 (Melicytus ramifiorus) , or pate (Schejfiera digitata) , a groove 

 is formed, which fills with fine dust. This, being gathered to 

 ■one end of the groove, will presently smoke ; and, if the 

 worker is sufficiently adroit and strong, he will at last be able 

 to kindle a flame. 



Strangely enough, this primitive method of obtaining fire 

 was the only one known to the Maoris. Those, who have 

 tried it, alone know what violent exertion and care are needed 

 to ensure kindling by these means. Smoke is readily obtained 

 by the vigorous worker, but flame rarely ever. 



Corynocarpaceae. 



The Karaka Family. 



Distribution. — A family of two species, one in New Zealand and the other 

 found in New Caledonia and the adjacent islands. 



Corynocarpus laevigata {The Smooth Corynocarpus). 



A handsome tree, with glossy, laurel-like foliage. Leaves 3 in. -7 in. long, 

 oblong. Flowers in erect panicles, 4 in. in length. Flowers J in. in diameter, 

 white. Petals concave. Fruit oblong, 1 in. in length, extremely poisonous. 

 Found in both islands. Fl. Aug. -Dec. Maori name, Karaka. This tree is 

 often called by settlers the "New Zealand Laurel." The Karaka forms the 

 ■chief forest in the Chatham Islands, and was much used by the natives in the 

 making of canoes. 



This is one of the handsomest of New Zealand trees. The 

 rounded, massive heads of laurel-like leaves are to be seen 

 rising near most Maori clearings, as far south as Long- 

 Look-Out Point, on Banks Peninsula. This is its southern- 

 most habitat, though it also grows in the Chatham Islands, 



