192 ; Essays. 
popular grouping has been, in general, correct, although in some cases, such 
as the ribbon-woods, plants of different genera are included in one group. 
The method will be adopted here as likely to make the description of species 
more interesting. 
PrxE Famity.—Among the numerous surface changes of the past, this 
family has had representatives as far back as Miocene times, fossil impres- 
sions of Araucaria and Dammara leaves and branches being found in that 
formation at Shag Point, showing that Otago had at that period forests of 
pines the species of which are new extinct. Ten species of pine, and a 
few varieties, are found in the province at the present day. 
The most valuable for sawn timber are black pine, or matai (Podo- 
carpus spicata), having red, hard, durable wood. A variety of this is found 
on the West Coast, with large fern-like branches, and large dark green 
leaves, the whole plant having a black appearance. 
Black rue pine, or miro (Podocarpus ferruginea), a tree similar in size 
and form to the last. Wood white, tough, not so hard or durable in wet 
places as matai. 
Totara (Podocarpus totara), a most valuable timber tree, being very 
durable and easily worked. A variety of this is often found over the 
province, especially on the West Coast, with short obtuse leaves. 
ed pine, or rimu (Daerydium cupressinum), another valuable building 
timber, found abundant everywhere. A variety is found on the West Coast, 
with long, drooping, pale-coloured foliage, white wood, and whitish bark. 
Another very distinct variety, if not a species, is also found there, with erect 
bright green foliage and close-grained heavy timber. 
. The pines of less value for building purposes are,— 
Cedar (Libocedrus [doniana] bidwillii), a handsome conical tree, with 
reddish wood, fit only for inside work. 
White pine, or kahikatea (Podocarpus daerydioides). This is a straight, 
harrow, sometimes conical tree, growing on wet flats; wood of little value. 
The male or barren tree has distichous leaves, while the female tree, bearing 
bright red berries, has imbricate leaves. 
A large, round-headed tree, also called white pine in Otago and silver 
pine in Nelson, is not uncommon near Dunedin. It is probable that the 
male and female plants differ in their leaves, similarly to the kahikatea. The 
timber is valuable for boat-building. This plant is more like a Dacrydium 
than a Podocarpus. Flowers and fruit not seen. 
Manoua (Daerydium colensoi). A small tree, found at an altitude of 
1,000 to 2,000 feet at Dunedin, and at the sea-level on the West Coast. 
Leaves of two kinds, spreading and imbricate. Wood close-grained and 
durable, but could not be found in any quantity. 
