June 1, 1865.] THE TECHNOLOGIST. 



USEFUL PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND. 481 



is adapted for cabinet work. One species in the vicinity of Dunedin 

 attains a diameter of ten to twelve inches. 



Myrsine urvillia, Red Mapau. — An ornamental tree, with dark red 

 wood useful for cabinet work. Juices very astringent. 



Veronica salicifolia, the New Zealand willow, is used by the Maories 

 as tonic and purgative. 



Fagus Menziesii. — The red birch is a lofty timber tree, one of the 

 most valuable in New Zealand, attaining a diameter of two or three feet ; 

 yielding boards long enough for any purpose. It is durable, and 

 adapted for cabinet work. It is also well fitted for masts and oars, and 

 perhaps no tree in New Zealand, except the Dammara or Kauri Pine, can 

 be applied to so many useful purposes. It is the only wood likely to be 

 used for cooper's work in the country excepting the Fagus Solandri. 



The black birch {Fagus fusca) is one of the largest timber trees in 

 New Zealand, often attaining a diameter of twelve feet. "Wood clear- 

 grained, splits freely, and may be as generally useful as the last. 



Libocedrus Bidwellii, Cedar. — A very ornamental tree ; its wood 

 light and clear-grained, but only adapted for inside work, as it isr not 

 durable when exposed to the weather. 



Fagus Solandri, White Birch. — A large, ornamental, timber tree, 

 attaining a diameter of from three to five feet. Wood white, straight, 

 tough, not durable under exposure, but well adapted for cooper's work. 



Podocarpus ferruginea, Matai. — A large, ornamental, and useful tim- 

 ber tree, attaining a diameter of three to four feet. Wood close-grained, 

 hard, reddish, very durable, unequalled for barn or granary floors ; use- 

 ful also in bridges and fencing. 



P. spicata, Mira. — A large timber tree ; wood white, tough, and 

 durable. These two species are called Black Pine in Otago. 



P. Totara. — One of the largest timber trees in New Zealand, attain- 

 ing a diameter of ten feet. Wood clear-grained and well adapted for 

 carpenter's work, splits freely, and is durable as fencing and shingles. 



Dacrydium cupressinum, Red Pine or Rima. — A large timber tree, 

 attaining a diameter of three to four feet. Wood clear-grained, reddish, 

 useful ior all building purposes. The wood of old trees is highly orna- 

 mental for cabinet work. The sap of these pines is agreeable to drink, 

 and can be manufactured into spruce beer. (See Capt. Cook's ' Voyages.') 

 A varnish is made from the resin of this tree. 



Phyllocladus alpinus. — A small, very ornamental tree ; the bark is 

 used for dyeing red. 



Otheb Useful Plants. 



Rhipogonum scandens. — A climbing shrub, reaching the tops of trees. 

 The stems are used when split for the manufacture of strong baskets. 

 The root has been used in the same manner as sarsaparilla. 



Phormium tenax, New Zealand Flax. — Two varieties of this plant 

 exist in Otago — one with dark -red flowers, and triangular, erect capsules, 

 strong, broad, erect leaves ; the other with smaller flowers, inside petals 



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