176 FAGUS MENZIESIL. 
i 
branchlets. Most frequently four scales form a flask-shaped cup, whick is sessi 
in the axil of a larger bract-lke scale, and coyers a number of minute s 
These panicles present a close resemblance to the early stages of al 
inflorescence. 
PROPERTIES AND UsEs. 
4 
The wood of the silver-beech is usually of a deep-red colour, ar 
ably straisht in the grain, even, compact, hard and dense, but with 4 
figure. It is of great strength, very touch and elastic, but is not pea: 
exposed to the weather: experience shows that it is not suitable for ho 
blocks, fence-posts, sleepers, and similar purposes. Although rather heavy, i 
is suitable for the framing of houses, except ground-plates, and may be usec r 
weather-boarding, &c. As it is easily split, it is often used for shingles, which 
last from five to seven years. | 
Its deep-red colour and even grain render it excellent for the manufactur re of 
ordinary furniture, Prench Belsesate! sideboards, &c.: when ene 
it bears considerable resemblance to plain mahogany. 
It is well adapted to the manufacture of tubs, buckets, and other coopers’ 
ware, more especially wine-casks. If a shipment could be placed on the Fren 
market I am fully satisfied that it would speedily be in demand for this pt iT] 
and afford a profitable export. It is much the strongest of the beeches, ) 
would prove of great value for beams required to carry heavy weights under 
cover. | _ 
At present it has only been used in the mountain districts where other. 
timbers are not available. | : 
[ts weight per cubic foot in the green state is 52°62rtlb., when seasoned 
35'9g9lb.; and its breaking weight, 175750lb.* 
DisTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS. 
See under Fagus Solandri, p. gt, ante. 
DISTRIBUTION OF THE SPECIES. | 
Fagus Menziesii is most plentiful in mountain districts, where it often fe 
extensive forests. It attains its northern limit on Table Mountain, ne; 
head of the Hauraki Gulf, and is found on the Ruahine, Tararua, and 1 
| taka Ranges, and the Wainuiomata hills, in the North Island. In tid : 
| Island it occurs on the Kaikoura Mountains, Mount Arthur Range, Spe 
Mountains, and more or less throughout the Southern Alps, especially 
. western slopes : it is abundant at the head of Lake Wanaka and Haas 
the wood in this locality is almost of a bright cherry-red. In ame 
forests it occurs sparingly, being often restricted to single sche nee 
plentiful in Dusky Bay, Pieserrtten Inlet, and attains its southern | mit at 
Colac Bay and Lake George. It is not found on Stewart Island, 
It ascends from sea-level to a little over 3,000ft. 
DESCRIPTION, 
Fagus Menziesii, Hook. f., Icones Plantarum,” t. 652. 
An evergreen monoecious tree, Ooft. to tooft. high; bark whitis 
rugose, and Larned when old; branches spreading ; branchlets ar A 
pubescent. Leaves alternate, Siabioed, rigid, hin. to Sint long, short tly 
* Blair: Building Materials of Otago, p. 226 
