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The genus Podocarpus is far more developed in N ew Zealand than it is in 
Australia, and the uses and properties of the better known New Zealand timber 
trees will suggest uses and properties probably possessed, in a greater or less degree, 
by their Australian congeners. The Totara stands in the very first rank of New 
Zealand trees ; it is one of the best timbers in the world to withstand marine borers ; 
in fact, some comparative tests between this timber and the Western Australian 
Jarrah, made a few years ago by the Engineer to the Auckland Harbour Board, 
tend to show that Totara possesses greater resistant power than Jarrah. Other 
Podocarpus timbers of note from the sister Colony are the Matai (P. spicata ) 
which is practically imperishable, the Miro or Black Pine (P. ferruginea ), all the 
above being grand timbers. There is still another New Zealand Podocarpus 
(P. dacrydioides), the White Pine or Kahikatea, which by no means bears so good 
a name for durability as those already mentioned. It is, however, largely used in 
the manufacture of butter-boxes, for which it is very suitable. 
The genus to which our Brown Pine belongs is even more developed in Asia 
(chiefly in the tropics) than it is in Australasia. A few species are found in tropical 
America and in the West Indies, in mountainous districts. It also follows the 
Andes south into Chili and Peru for a considerable distance. It is also found in 
South Africa. 
Two species of Podocarpus are found in the warmer parts of Japan, and are 
frequently planted in the vicinity of temples. Although not largely used for timber, 
being chiefly utilised for ornamental purposes, e.g., green hedges and specimen trees, 
their timber is well-known, and it is considered to be more durable in water than in 
the air, confirming Australasian experience of allied timber trees. 
A Burmese species yields timber which is held in high regard by the natives, 
and they call it by a name which signifies the Prince of Wood and of trees. It is 
used by carpenters for various purposes, and the natives of Burma have a super¬ 
stition that the beams of balances should be made of it. A w r riter states that it is 
used to avert evil by driving a peg of it into a house post or boat. Apart from the 
sentimental and superstitious considerations which influence the use of this timber, 
there is no doubt that it is really valuable, and a distinguished Indian botanist has 
suggested that it may prove a valuable substitute for box. 
Exudation. —While this is a very common tree with us, I have found no 
resin upon it; but should be looked for for scientific reasons. The following 
references are interesting : —Podocarpus ferruginea yields a dark red-coloured gum 
resin. (G. Bennett, Wanderings of a Naturalist, p. 415.) 
See also “Podocarpic Acid” ( Watts Diet., VII [2], 1657.) 
Amongst the natural products collected by Dr. T. E. de Vrij, during his stay in the Isle of Java, 
was a crystalline resin produced from Podocarpus cupressina or P. imbricata, a tree common in the forests 
of Java, and known locally by its Malay name of Djamoudjou. This resin, when treated with alcohol, 
