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habit ; its trailing branches somewhat radiate ; its creamy white flowers are 

 fragrant, and succeeded by greenish white fruit ; it does well in stiff soil ; 

 from its long tap root it is difiicult to remove with safety. 



CUPULIFER^. 



Fagus Menziesii, Hook. f. As is well known, the Fagus family occupy 

 one of the most important positions amongst the forest trees of the Middle 

 Island ; not unlike the kauii in respect of being gregarious, whole bushes may 

 be observed composed almost wholly of Fagus. Four species are recognized 

 by botanists ; these are known to settlers by the names of Black, White, or 

 Red Birch, not Beech, which would be their more correct designation. 

 Siaecimens of F. Menziesii, obtained from the head waters of the Bakaia, are 

 making fair growth. 



Fagus fusca. Hook. f. Not very common in Banks' Peninsula. Young 

 plants look well. 



Fagus Solandri, Hook. f. In some few places on Banks' Peninsula this 

 well known tree may yet be found growing to a large size ; some we measured 

 were 14 feet in circumference. 



Fagus Cliff or tioides, Hook. f. The Black Birch of the Malvern Hills, etc. 



All the Fagi grow well in rather strong soil, can be easily removed, and 

 grow freely from seed ; they are hardy, and their foliage forms a capital contrast 

 in shrubberies and plantations. 



PlPERACE^. 



Piper excelsum, Forst. An aromatic shrub with bright green cordate 

 leaves, the fruit a long-shaped yellow berry. This plant requires a sheltered 

 and rather moist situation ; it is well worthy of cultivation ; it can be removed 

 without difficulty. 



Conifers. 

 The conditions necessary to the successful cultivation of New Zealand 

 Coniferce differ much from those which mark the usual routine of fine culture ; 

 a certain degree of moist shade and shelter is requisite ; that this is absolutely 

 necessary anyone can ascertain who will take the trouble of observing the 

 natural habits of the vaiious species, and the peculiar conditions attending the 

 growth of young plants. As an instance, the group of Podocarpi may be 

 mentioned, the seedlings and young plants are mostly to be found growing 

 tinder the moist shelter of a variety of shrubby undergrowth, of which the 

 Ngaio frequently forms a large proportion ; here they may be said to hide 

 themselves, as it were, from the cold blasts of winter and the scorching rays of 

 the noontide sun in summer time, presenting lively green shades of foliage, 

 seldom, if ever, to be met with in an open exposure. In one word, if our 

 native Coniferce are treated in the same manner under which exotic pines 

 flourish, the result will be disappointment and perhaps disgust, as the number 



