47 
distinguish them pretty clearly,—calling the Olea , Maire-rau nui. Both 
were by them called Maire, from the fact of both being liard-wooded, 
and formerly used by them for the same purposes. One of the trees 
(Santalum Cunninghamii) is confined to the North parts; while the 
various species of Olca are more general, and much more plentiful in 
the South paits of the Island. It is highly doubtful whether the true 
Northern Maire ( Santalum Cunninghamii ,) is yet much known in the 
Arts and Manufactures; it is a small tree, belonging to the Sandal¬ 
wood family, and the species is confined to a very limited area. (See 
par.. 11, § ii.) The large Maire tree, or Maire-rau-nui of the Aborigines, 
comprise 3 known species of Olive, (0 . Cunninghamii , lanceolata, and 
montana ,) one species being found generally throughout the Island. It 
commonly forms a large tree, GO to 70, or even 100 feet high, and 4 
feet, or more, in diameter. It is very closely allied to the European 
Olive, and to the “Iron-wood” of Norfolk Island,—all being species of the 
same genus. There are two kinds known to the Manufacturer;—a dark 
variety fit for Cabinet-Making, and a white variety fit for sheaves, and 
cogs, and for Wheelwrights’ work. The dark kind has a handsomo 
grain, and polishes well; but its brittleness and great weight prevent its 
being more generally used. 
(ix.) The Pukatca, (Atkerosperma Novce-Zelcmdice ,) is among the 
largest trees of New Zealand, sometimes reaching the height of 150 
feet, and a clear diameter of 5 to 7 feet, besides having immensely thick 
buttresses at the base. The wood, however, is soft, find will not split; 
and (at present) is little used save in boat-building; it is highly ser¬ 
viceable for the bottom boards of boats, as in case of striking a rock, 
only the spot so struck is staved: a nail might he driven into the wood 
without splitting or boring. 
(x.) The Tawa, (Nexodaphne Tawa,) is a fine tree, common through¬ 
out New Zealand, especially in the interior, often attaining to the 
height of 70 feet. Its wood is light and splits easily, and soon rots if 
exposed to wet; notwithstanding, from its freeness of splitting, it is 
used for fence rails, and for shingles, in places where it abounds. 
(xi.) The Taraire, (Nexodaphne Tarairi ,) another species of the 
same genus, hut confined to the North parts of the Island, (vide par. 11., 
§ ii,) is a handsomer and still larger tree; yet its wood, being similar in 
quality, is of little use. 
(xii.) The Ake, or New Zealand Lignum Vita3, ( Dodoncea viscosa,) is a 
small tree, or large shrub, seldom attaining a greater diameter than 1 foot. 
