Kirx.—On dried Specimens of Matai. 417 
Bromus sterilis, L. 
racemosus, Parl. Dunedin, ete. 
unioloides, Humb. 
Lolium temulentum, L. 
Hordeum murinum, L. Dunedin; Invercargill ete. 
Art. LXII.— Notes on three dried Specimens of Matai (Podocarpus spicata. 
By T. Karr, F.L.8 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 4th August, 1877.) 
Turse specimens were handed to me for examination by Captain J. 
Campbell-Walker, F.R.G.S., who received them from A. P. Seymour, 
Esq., M.H.R. 
1. Pelorus Valley.— Large tree over 4 feet diameter; sapwood 4 inch. 
Difference between heart and sap clearly marked. Cut down March 20th, 
gathered April 12th. No fruit on it. This timber is very hard, heavy, and 
durable in ground,—the best of its-class. I would use it for posts without 
hesitation.” 
This specimen was taken from a mature pistillate tree and exhibits 
numerous young fruit. The durability of the timber is due to its maturity, 
as evidenced by the large size and small quantity of sap- 
2. Locality not stated.—'* Wood very pale red ; 3 inches of sap; line ` 
between heart and sap not at all distinctly marked; tree 18 inches 
diameter ; cut April 1st; fruit on it sparsely scattered. This wood is very 
inferior ; prey to large white grubs; gathered April 12th, 1877.” 
Taken from a young (pistillate) tree as shown by the comparatively 
small diameter and large proportion of indeterminate sap-wood, amounting 
to one-third of the entire diameter, so that the inferiority of the timber is 
easily accounted for. 
Matai timber of all ages is liable to the attacks of larve, more especially 
when cut during the growing season ; young timber to a greater degree 
than old. 
8. Pelorus Vallej.—* Three feet diameter; cut about April 1st; timber 
red, not very dark; sap 2} inches thick; difference between sap and heart 
not well marked. This in my opinion is inferior. I would not use it for 
posts. Gathered April 12th. No fruit on tree." 
The specimen was taken from a staminate tree, the timber of which, 
judging from the large amount of indeterminate sap-wood, was not well 
matured. In respect of durability the timber of this tree would prove 
intermediate between Nos. 1 and 2, but nearer the first. 
B 
