454 Proceedings. 



Metrosideros rohusta (pohutukawa), Podocmyus spicata (matai), Nesodaphne 

 taraire. The above are a few of the largest forest trees, and those which are 

 most useful as articles of commerce. There are many of the soft-wooded 

 species which might be introduced with advantage, and also act as nurses to 

 the hard-wooded varieties. It would also be advisable to intersperse among 

 the trees at convenient distances a few of the hardy American or European 

 pines, both for shade and shelter to the permanent trees. They can easily 

 be cut out as the others advance in growth. 



As regards the growth of our native trees it is very difficult to arrive at a 

 given standard, because we have to take into consideration the soil, aspect, 

 and situation. Trees of the same genera and species planted in opposite 

 aspects, and in different soils, will not attain to the same growth in one year. 

 In alluvial deposits trees make more growth in a given period than those 

 planted on more exposed situations. About ten years ago I planted on rather 

 a poor sandy soil a rimu and a lance-wood j the plants were about one 

 foot in height, with very little protection ; they are now both flourishing 

 remarkably well, each being about twelve feet in height, so that they have on 

 an average grown a little more than one foot each season since planted. 



Dammara australis (kauri). — I have had young plants after being estab- 

 lished grow about one foot in a season in a sheltered situation. 



Podocarpus totara (totara) is about the best of all our New Zealand trees 

 to establish, as it generally grows on the most exposed situations in the bush. 

 I have had young plants after being established for one year make a growth 

 of two feet the following season. The average growth is from twelve to 

 eighteen inches. The totara does not require so much shade as many of the 

 other varieties of native trees. 



Dacrydium cupressinum (rimu). — The most graceful of the New Zealand 

 trees, succeeds best in a rich but rather moist soil. Young plants in a 

 sheltered situation make about one foot in a season. 



Podocarpus dacrydioides. — A very lofty tree, 150 feet high; wood white, 

 soft ; grows in low swampy ground. Young plants are easy to establish, and 

 grow about eighteen inches in a season. 



Phyllocladus trichomanoides. — A slender tree, attaining a height of about 

 sixty feet ; wood white, close grained ; not a very fast growing variety. Bark 

 used for dyeing purposes. 



Fagus, sp. — Lofty and handsome trees, attaining to a height of from 

 80 to 100 feet ; well adapted for planting in higher altitudes. Young plants 

 make a foot of young wood in a season. 



Vitex littoralis (puriri). — A large and handsome tree, 50 to 60 feet high ; 

 trunk 20 feet in girth ; wood very hard. The foliage is large, and of a 

 beautiful bright green colour ; flowers bright red. The flat symmetrical form 



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