33 
was generally cultivated, and that, too, was not indigenous ; viz., the 
Aute, or Paper-Mulberry tree (Broussonetiapajyyriferd) ; this shrub, or 
small tree, was assiduously planted, but only for the purpose of obtaining 
white fillets for the hair of the Chiefs. It has long been nearly, if not 
quite, extinct. The Harakeke, or Now Zealand flax (Phonnmm tenax , 
and PL Golensoi), of which there are many varieties, was sometimes 
planted, but not largely so; more to have it handy, or to secure a prized 
variet} f , than with a view to cultivation or to improve its fibre. The 
leaves of these valuable plants were universally used, both scraped and 
unscraped, and the fibre prepared in various ways,—by scraping, soaking, 
beating, dyeing, and twisting,—for clothing for both sexes. From it tlio 
Chiefs’ elegnnt and ornamented silky Paipairoa, and the shaggy bee-butt 
looking Pake andNgeri,—with their many intermediate kinds of clothing 
mats,—were alone manufactured. Common articles of clothing and 
war-mats of defence were also woven from the leaves of the Kiekic 
(Freycinetia Ihtukslt), and from those of the Ti (Cordyline australis ); 
while from the fibres of the handsome large-leaved mountain Ti, (Cordy- 
line indivisa), very strong and heavy mats for apparel, called~Toi, were 
made; which, dyed black, are still greatly prized. A few superior 
articles of apparel were also made, by the Northern tribes, from the 
leaves of the Neinei (DracophyUum latifoUum). Of the bright yellow 
leaves of the Pingao (Desmoschamvs spiralis), strong and useful folding 
girdles were woven ; and from the inner bark of the Autc-taranga 
(Pimelea arenana ), small white cloth-like strips were also obtained, for 
fastening up the hair, or wearing as ornament in the ears. (2.) The timber 
trees and other plants of various degrees of utility, comprised the fol¬ 
lowing:—For canoes, the Natives from the Thames northwards generally 
used the Kauri {Dammara australis), and the Southern Natives theTotara 
(Podocarpus To tar a), which was preferred by all; the Kahikatea (/\ 
dacry divides), was also often used for this purpose. Troughs, trays, and 
other large vessels were also made of Totara and of Mataii ( P. spicata.) 
The framing of the principal houses was of Totara timber; while their 
roofs, and sometimes their sides, were often covered with its bark, 
obtained from the living tree and laid on in large slabs. The bark of 
the Manuka (Leptospermum scopariuni) was also used for covering the 
roof, but is greatly inferior. The carved work of the Chiefs’ houses was 
made out of both Totara and Mataii; but for the carved figure-heads 
of their canoes the Pukatea (.Atherosperma Novce-Zelandicc) was generally 
used ; while the ornamental carved work of the sterns was made of 
