TYPES OF FOREST GROWTH. 261 



Of the State forests, 3,298 square miles are National Parks and 

 Permanent Reserves. 



2. Types of Forest Growth. 



There are about 100 species of forest trees, amongst which 

 conifers are well represented. Some of the species appear in 

 pure woods, but, as a rule, the forests are of a mixed character, 

 and the stocking is very uneven. As yet only a limited number 

 of species are marketable, of which the following are important : — 



(1) Kauri, Agathis {Dammara) australis, now found only in 

 small quantities in the Auckland district of North Island. It is 

 the finest tree of New Zealand, and it yields one of the most 

 valuable coniferous timbers of the world. It is to be regretted 

 that this splendid tree was not regenerated instead of being almost 

 exterminated. 



(2) Totara, Podocarpus Totara, has, owing to the quality of its 

 timber, been much reduced in quantity by milling ; what remains 

 now is chiefly found in the Auckland and Wellington districts. 

 It is to be hoped that it will not share the fate of the kauri. There 

 seems yet to be time to regenerate it systematically. 



(3) Matai, Podocarpus spicata, is found in most localities ; it 

 yields a valuable timber. 



(4) Rimu, Dacrydium cupressinum, red pine, found universally 

 in New Zealand, is consumed in greater quantity than any other 

 timber, though not as durable as the above-mentioned species. 



(5) Kakikatea, Podocarpus dacrydioides, white pine, found all 

 over the islands ; it is particularly valued for butter boxes and 

 packing boxes generally. 



(6) Puriri, Vitex lucens {littoralis), is the strongest and most 

 durable of the broad-leaved trees of New Zealand ; it is much 

 used for railway sleepers. 



(7), (8), and (9) Three species of Beech, commonly called 

 birches in New Zealand, namely : Red beech, N othofagus fusca ; 

 black beech, N. Solandri ; silver beech, N. Menziesii. They are 

 chiefly found in the upper parts of the forest area, and they are 

 gradually coming into use, especially N. fusca, principally for 

 fencing and mining. 



Various other species are used in small quantities for milling, 

 and more extensively for farming purposes and as firewood. 



