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it attains, a height of 6 feet ; it is exceedingly hardy, and like the preceding 

 species, any ordinary soil suits it, and it is managed without the slightest 

 difficulty ; its deep green foliage is seen to the best advantage when it is grown 

 with a southerly aspect. 



Olacine^. 

 Pennantia corymhosa, Forst. Common in the bush on Banks' Peninsula. 

 It is a plant of graceful habit ; its white fragrant flowers cover it in the 

 greatest abundance. In its young state the leaves are small and rounded, but 

 a remarkable transformation takes place, and it assumes oblong leaves nearly 

 three inches in length. Blossoms in December. Its cultivation calls for no 

 particular remark. 



Bhamne^. 

 Discaria Toumatou, Raoul. The scrubby-looking plant, known as the 

 "Wild Irishman," becomes quite a tree above the gorges of some of the great 

 southern rivers ; its wood, from its hardness and durability, is in great request 

 for stock-whip handles ; any soil appears to suit this jjlant. In November its 

 creamy coloured flowers charge the air with their powerful fragrance. Some 

 of the finest specimens with which we are acquainted surround the gx'ave of 

 the lamented Dr. Sinclau-, on the banks of the Ilangitata. 



Sapindace^. 



Dodoncea viscosa, Forst. This handsome-looking tree is clothed with foliage 

 of a peculiar tint, which at once arrests attention ; it appears to flourish best 

 at no great distance from the sea. Its flowers, of reddish hue, are succeeded by 

 seeds enclosed in membranous-winged coverings, reminding one somewhat of 

 the " keys " of some of the British forest trees. 



Alectryon excelsum, DC. The Titoki, or N'ew Zealand Ash, is far from 

 uncommon in many districts ; in the neighbourhood of Wellington it appears 

 to grow with considerable vigoui', but here we have found some difficulty in its 

 cultivation. Its panicles of flowers may be noticed during November and 

 December, but it is when the tree is in fruit that it assumes its most striking 

 appearance, from its abundance of peculiar looking scarlet berries. 



Anacardiace^. 



Corynocarpus Icuvigata, Forst. This fine laurel-leaved shrub is very local 

 in Canterbury, its habitat being almost, if not entirely, confined to Okain Bay, 

 Little Akaroa, and perhaps a few other spots in that district. We have 

 heard it suggested that its presence there is owing to the fruit brought down 

 in old times by the canoes crossing Pegasus Bay from the North Island. Near 

 the sea, in sheltered spots, it grows fairly, but we have lost a considerable pei'- 

 centage from planting out when too small. It luxuriates in a rich damp soil, 

 and grows readily from seed. The drupe appears to be held in great 

 estimation by the Maoris as an article of food. 



