DAJVIMAR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 149 



of the Molucca Islands, where it grows to a great height on the 

 mountains. Its wood is said to be like cedar, light, and wholly 

 unfit for exposure to the weather. It gives a resin called Dammar, 

 which, as it flows from the tree, is thin and viscous, but in a 

 few days it hardens, and is used for many purposes. 



2. D. cmstralis, native of New Zealand, known as the Kawii 

 or Cowdie Pine ; of this species trees are known to have attained 

 the height of 200 feet, and as the stems of old trees are per- 

 fectly clean and free of branches for a considerable height they 

 are greatly valued for ship's spars. 



The timber is in so much demand by the settlers that in 

 time it is feared it will become exterminated if means are not 

 taken for the preservation of the forests, and making new 

 plantations. A resin like that produced by the first-named 

 species issues from the trees, and forms hard lumps like copal. 

 It is also found in large masses where no Kawri trees now grow, 

 and large quantities are imported into this country, as also to 

 the United States. It is used as a varnish and for dressing 

 woven fabrics. 



3. D. vitiensis, or by some called 7nacrophylla, native of 

 the Fiji Islands, called by the natives Dakna. In one of the 

 islands (Korovono) some trees attain a height of from 80 to 

 100 feet, and at 4 feet above the base, 16 feet in circumference, 

 and free of branches to the height of 60 feet. It is stated that 

 specimens have measured 18 to 27 feet in circumference. The 

 wood is white, and is used for masts, booms, and spars, and all 

 those purposes for which deal is usually employed in Europe. 

 Great havoc has already been made in some of the islands by 

 the axe and saw of the white man. This species also yields a 

 resin, lumps of wliich have been found of fifty pounds weight 

 under old stumps, and it is also found abundantly in districts 

 where trees now grow ; it is called Mcibradra by the natives, but 

 has not yet been turned to any profitable account. Quite 

 recently a resin has been introduced to the London market 

 under the name of Fijian Copal. It is probable that this is the 

 produce of D. vitie7isis. 



