OF NEW ZEALAND. 39 
the Kauri ; and is not of sufficient magnitude for 
masts of any but small-craft. 
Totara (Taxus ) — This tree, when full grown, 
is about twenty feet in circumference, and from 
fifty to sixty feet high in the trunk. It has a 
coarse, light-coloured bark, very thick and heavy; 
and has the appearance of having been chopped 
through, at small intervals, with an axe. It flou- 
rishes in dry soil and on rising ground ; but is 
sometimes found on the banks of rivers. The 
wood is inclining to red, splits freely, is very 
hard, but works well. Its foliage forms a thick 
handsome crown at the top of the tree, and is 
much like that of the yew. This tree does not 
appear to be subject to the same diseases as 
others of the same species, as it is mostly found 
in a very sound and perfect state. Its roots 
are high out of the ground, and the fibres are 
remarkably thick and strong : they spread them- 
selves over a great surface of earth : and are 
detrimental to the growth of the underwood, 
with which most of the forests in New Zealand 
abound. 
Kahikatea (Treniperus, or Dacrydium excelsum) 
—This tree only flourishes in low, swampy, or al- 
luvial soils ; and never in thick and shady woods. 
It has a very imposing appearance when it stands 
alone, having a trunk branchless for seventy or 
eighty feet ; and then a beautiful top, rising to a 
point ; the leaves being sharp and prickly, of the 
same character as those of the Totara, only 
