KAURI PINE. 



(Dammara.) 



This New Zealand tree affords one of the best substitutes for 

 northern pine. Although not true pine, it belongs to the same 

 family as the pine and other conifers. The light, strong, 

 durable, elastic wood is obtainable in large-sized pieces suit- 

 able for masts. 



The species is universally noted for its resin, which possesses 

 the quality of uniting more perfectly than others with linseed 

 oil.* Kauri gum is thus one of the most valuable constituents 

 of good varnish, t The best gum occurs as a fossil, and is col- 

 lected by digging over areas known to be fruitful but from 

 which trees have long since disappeared. The pieces, varying 

 in size from small pebbles to lumps as large as eggs, are 

 scraped and otherwise cleansed by natives in the fields.^ 



* It unites with linseed oil at lower temperatures than other gums of its kind. 



f Fossil Kauri gum has sold for one thousand to fifteen hundred dollars 

 per ton. 



J One mass of two hundred and twenty pounds has been reported (R. Ingham 

 Clark, F.R.G.S. : "Notes on Fossil Resins," published by C. Letts & Co., 

 London). 



Correspondence Professor Alvah H. Sabin, New York City ; Messrs. Pratt & 

 Lambert, New York City. 



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