CHAPTER XXVI. 



NEW ZEALAND TIMBERS. 



New Zealand abounds in valuable timbers, some of 

 which are of first importance in building and construc- 

 tion. Perhaps the Conifers are most valuable, but in 

 addition to them we find the following Dicotyledons. 



rata {Metrosideros robustd). 



This magnificent tree is found in the denser forests of 

 New Zealand, where it reaches its greatest perfection on 

 a rich soil, and with a moderate degree of moisture. In 

 such situations it very commonly attains the height of 

 80 to 100 feet, with a circumference of from 9 to 12 feet. 



It often rises with a clear stem to 30 and even 40 

 feet without a branch, and then puts out very ponderous 

 and robust arms, forming a heavy top. The leaves are 

 marginate, and of a light green colour, \yi inch in 

 length and J^ inch in width. In December and January 

 this tree puts forth very beautiful crimson polyandrous 

 flowers, which render it conspicuous at a considerable 

 distance.* 



* There are some very fine creepers growing up the stem and over the 

 tops of the tallest trees in the New Zealand forests, that are so exceedingly 

 like the Rata in wood, bark, leaf, and flower, that I could never distinguish 

 any difference between them. [Some other species of Metrosideros are 



climbers.] 



