10-4 OLEA CUNNINGHAMTI. 
contains only a single seed ; rarely, however, the fruit 1s two-celled with a seed 
in each cell. The fruit is ovoid in shape, in. to #in. long, narrowed upwards; 
with the outer coat pulpy, crimson. 
This species is easily cultivated, but is of slow growth. 
The following measurements of five trees growing within a short distance of 
“ach other at Pakuratahi will be of interest :— | 
Trunk to First Girth at 5ft. 
Ale, Height of Tree. Branch, from Base, 
Ft. Ft. Ft. in, 
1 70 = Ary is ato 
He) 50 ons 12 ot 15 4 
3 60 Ps 35 Pot 4 8 
4 50 re 35 “i Past 
5 60 2° at 
No. 5 is a fine tree: after making all possible deductions for waste it must 
contain over 500 cubic feet of convertible timber. I’rom about 6ft. above the 
eround the trunk holds its girth well to the crown, presenting a remarkable 
columnar appearance. | 
Properties AND Uszs. 
Olea Cunninghamii affords the strongest of all New Zealand timbers, with 
the single exception of the puriri (Vitex littoralis). Its wood is of a deep-brown 
colour, the heartwood being often streaked with black and highly ornamental. 
It is heavy, dense, compact, straight and even in the grain, easily worked, and 
takes a good finish, while it is of great durability. It is evidently the ‘“ black- 
maire’’ of Balfour’s list of New Zealand timbers, although he erroneously con- 
sidered it to be a variety of Eugenia Maire, being doubtless misled by the Native 
name. 
The results of four experiments as stated by him are as follow: The specific 
eravity varies from 1113 to 1193; weight per cubic foot, 70°63lb. to 74*4olb. ; 
breaking weight, 327lb. to 335lb.; weight carried with unimpaired elasticity, 
290°2lb. to 322°51b. 
In mature trees the proportion of sapwood is extremely small. Although a 
timber of high value, and occurring in considerable quantity in the central and 
southern parts of the North Island, its value is comparatively unknown. Its 
ereat strength, cven grain, and durability render it suitable for bridges, wharves, 
and other constructive works, although it is but rarely used for these purposes, 
possibly on account of timbers whose qualities are better known being more 
readily obtained. 
It has been extensively used in the framing of railway-carriages and wagons, 
with the best results. Settlers have used it in the rough for fence-posts, sleepers, 
&c., and in the converted state for gates, &c. 
Old specimens are often beautifully streaked and figured, and are well 
adapted to the purposes of the cabinetmaker either in the solid or as veneers, 
and it is of special value for all ornamental turned-work, napkin-rings, orna- 
mental inkstands, bowls, egg-cups, &c., and should supersede the large importa- 
tions of ornamental articles manufactured from the European olive. 
It is excellent as a substitute for metal bearings for heavy shafts, and for 
framing for machinery, agricultural implements, &c.: it has also been employed 
for millwrights’ work and for ships’ blocks. As it is very even, compact, and 
of great density, it may be used for the large block-letters required by the 
printers of large posting-bills. The Hon. W. B. D. Mantell, F.G.S., informed 
me that in the early days of Wellington a small block of this wood was engraved 
—— 
* With six large arms averaging from 15ft, to 20/t. long, and 5ft. in circumference at the middle. 
