Kirk. — On thicil Specimens of Matai. ill 



Bromus stenlis, L, 



raceinosm, Pari. Dunedin, etc. 



iinioloides, Humb. 

 Lolium temulentum, L. 

 Hordeiim murlnum, L. Dunedin ; Invercargill etc. 



Art. LXII. — Notes on three dried Sjiecimens of Matai (Podocarpus spicata. 



By T. Kirk, F.L.S. 



[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 4f/t August, 1877.] 

 These specimens were handed to me for examination by Captain J. 

 Campbell-Walker, F.E.G.S., who received them from A. P. Seymour, 

 Esq., M.H.E. 



1. Pelorus Valley, — "Large tree over 4 feet diameter; sapwood f 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 ; Una 

 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 larvfe, more especially 

 when cut during the growing season ; young timber to a greater degree 

 than old. 



3. Pelorus Valley. — " Three feet diameter ; cut about April 1st ; timber 

 red, not very dark ; sap 2J 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. 



b2 



