EXOTIC TREES FOR NORTHERN FORESTS. 141 
diseases. There is a promising avenue in the Government plantation 
near Rotorua. It is described later, as its use extends right through 
New Zealand from north to south. The largest trees in New Zealand 
are at Lower Hutt, and there it seems at its best. 
Cypress-pine (Callitris macleayana) is well worth introducing to the 
Kauri forests. There is a remarkable tree at Gosford, N.S.W., which at 
ten years is 10in. diameter by 35 ft. high. It made a 5 ft. shoot last 
year. Most of the Callitrisses have a good natural reproduction, and 
belong to the best class of timbers—durable softwoods; but many of them 
are slow-growing trees of dry climates. 

Oaks. 
There should be some Oaks, if only to help the pig industry referred 
to above. <A little Oak planting I know from experience will go a long 
wav in this. Quercus michauaw, a fine tree with large sweet acorns and 
good timber, is probably the best Oak to plant in the north, but it is 
difficult to get genuine seed. There are some other Oaks of the Gulf 
States of the United States of America nearly as good. Quercus lusi- 
fanica, the best Oak of Portugal, is already growing well in northern 
New Zealand. There are particularly fine specimens of the English Oak 
(Quercus pedunculata) here and there on the old mission stations, but | 
deubt if this is hardy enough for growth as a forest-tree generally. It 
has been tried without success by Mr. Matthews. It remains for trial by 
foresters. 
The cold-country Oaks will be referred to later. 
Hickory. 
The Hickories are decidedly slower in growth than the Kauri, and 
so can be planted with it without danger. Of these, Shagbark (H2coria 
ovata) is the best, then H. lacinosa, H. alba, and H. glabra. Though 
all the Hickories are somewhat slow-growing, their sapwood is more 
valuable than their heartwood, so that they can be cut young to save 
the planting interest charge. There are some good Hickory trees at 
Mason’s Gardens, Lower Hutt. A small supply of seed (nuts) could be 
got from these; they bear well. Seed from the Gulf States, United 
States of America, should be specially procured for planting 1n northern 
New Zealand: care in cool storage is desirable to get it through the 
tropics in good condition. Hickory may be a very valuable addition 
to the tree flora of Waipoua and other forests. Of the five valuable 
kinds in the United States of America, it should not be difficult to find 
one that will be hardy and push its way with natural regeneration. 
Some of the best Hickory in the southern United States of America 1s 
found growing on clay land, and a temperature to closely match the 
Waipoua Forest. Tool-handles are imported on a large scale to New 
Zealand. 
ASH. 
Ash may be more useful generally than Hickory. I shall refer to 1t 
in connection with the southern forests. 
Rep Cupar AND BLACKWwoop., 
The two Australian rivals of Kauri—Red Cedar and Blackwood—are 
both worthy of extended trial in northern forests. Blackwood (Acacia 
melanorylon), the valuable softwood of Australia, is at home right 
tnrough the Northern Island. It is imporiant to plant only a good 
