44 
(u.) The Kahikatoa or Manuka, (Leptospermum Scoparium,) is a 
tree common throughout the North Island, It grows in the poorest as 
well as in the richest soil, but prefers steep and dry hill sides. It some- 
times attains to a height of 40, or even 45 feet, and to a diameter of 2 
feet. Often a large patch, or small forest, of this tree will be found 
growing closely together, without any other tree among them. The 
wood is very hard, and of a dark colour, varying from yellow to red and 
dark brown; and is admirably fitted for the Cabinet Maker and 
Turner. It makes good axe handles, and is extensively used as rails for 
fencing, for which purpose it is one our best New Zealand woods. It is 
also excellent fuel, and many thousands of tons of it as firewood, ave 
annually used in and exported from Auckland. 
(iii.). The Tawhai, and Tawhai-rau-nui, or Black and Red Birches, 
(Lagus Soland and F. Fusea,) often form large and sometimes 
handsome trees. Though plentiful in the South parts of the Island, 
with one exception they are not found north of the East Cape; 
yet, where they flourish, especially in the higher mountainous erounds, 
they often form large forests. They run from 80 to 100 feet in height, 
and (according to the species and soil) from 3 to 7 feet in diameter. The 
wood, unfortunately, is not of great use or value as timber, yet is some- 
times used for boat-knees, and for cask staves. That of the Black 
Birch, however, is extensively used for fence rails in the Province of 
Wellington ; and is said, when well dried, to make good firewood. 
(iv.) The Pohutukawa, (Metrosideros tomentosa,) is another large | 
hard-wooded tree of diffuse irregular growth. Its habitat is the imme- 
diate sea-shore of the North parts of the Island ; where, on rocky head- 
lands and cliffs, sometimes pendent, it forms a striking and picturesque 
object. It is very robust, sometimes being 4, or even 5, feet in diameter, 
but the trunk and branches are invariably more or less crooked. Never- 
theless it is a very valuable tree, especially for ship-building purposes, 
where its gnarled and crooked character make it highly serviceable for 
timbers, knees, breast-hooks, &c.,—it is also used for making ship’s 
blocks, and for building piles. This wood presents a very handsome 
grain, a rich rose colour, and a high polish, when worked up by the 
Cabinet Maker, and choice pieces are in great demand, ‘The area, or 
zone, in which this valuable tree is found being very limited, its wood 
will soon be exhausted unless some means are speedily made use of to 
preserve or economise it. 
