C—3a

6

low ranges, as between Urenui and Pukearuhe. Hinau is not unfrequent, but does not appear to be converted, although the value of its timber and bark is well known. Broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis) occurs on the ranges. Towai is plentiful in similar situations, although often descending to sea-level. Cedar (Dysoxylum spectabile) occurs in low-land forests throughout the district, although in some places but sparingly. The kaiwaka (Libocedrus Bidwillii) occurs sparingly on the ranges, and may be more plentiful inland than it is near the coast. Large tea-tree or kamuku (Leptospcnnum ericoides) is nowhere found in large quantity. Maire-raunui (white and mountain maire) are frequent, although never occurring in large quantity, and but rarely of large dimensions. Maire-tawhake (Eugenia Maire) is found in swamps at the Ngaire and other places. Titoki (Alectryon excelsum), mapau (Myrsine Orvillei), and toro (M. salicina) are frequent. Two trees affording valuable timber remain to be mentioned, although for practical purposes they are worked out in the district: the pohutukawa (Metrosideros tomentosa), which occurs sparingly on the cliffs as far south as the Mimi Eiver; and. the puriri, which is restricted to the vicinity of the coast, rarely occurring three miles inland—south of New Plymouth it becomes very rare, and appears to find its southern limit near Stony Eiver. A large shrub or small tree, Pomaderris apetala, upwards of 20ft. in height, may also be mentioned here, although it has but little economic value. It is found on a low, sandy hill between the Mokau and Mohakatina Eivers, and is termed by the Natives the tainui; they state that it grows on the spot where their ancestors landed from the " Tainui," the first canoe that touched the west coast of the Island: the original plants are said to have sprung from the branches used to cover the floor of the canoe. The plant is not uncommon in several parts of Australia, and attains equally large dimensions ; in Victoria it is termed hazel. It was originally discovered by Dr. Hector, and until recently has been supposed to be restricted to the habitat stated above, but I am assured that it occurs in at least two localities in the Auckland District. The genus Pomaderris is absolutely restricted to Australia and New Zealand. Most of the trees previously enumerated are mixed with a dense undergrowth of mahoe, makomako, fuchsia, akeake, manuka, tarata, and other shrubs or small trees, while the ordinary pines— the rimu, white-pine, totara, matai, and miro—are sparingly scattered through the whole, often solitary, sometimes forming clumps or patches of greater or less extent, and but rarely expanding into groves. The best sections that came under my notice were situate near Eltham and the Ngaire. A large patch of exceptionally good rimu and white-pine is situate on the mountain round between the village of Egmont and the forest reserve ; unfortunately, it was not deemed sufficiently extensive to warrant its being reserved from sale, so that it will inevitably be destroyed during the process of clearing, a matter for regret in a district where really good timber is so limited in quantity. A limited quantity of very fine rimu is found near Inglewood, and a large quantity of very large white-pine in the valley of the Mimi, and other rivers. In several localities about the Ngaire rimu and white-pine of small or medium size are found intermixed in about equal quantities on swampy land, a somewhat unusual occurrence. The following are the chief timbers utilized for conversion : Rimu or red-pine : This is the most useful timber in the district, and next to white-pine it is the most plentiful. Taranaki redpine, when cut out of large trees, is of the best quality, and of greater durability than is usually afforded by other districts. Another peculiarity demanding notice is exhibited by old trees, sometimes of the largest dimensions, which often produce timber as silky in texture and as easily worked as the best medium-sized logs in Southland or "Westland. Usually the wood is of a light red colour, straight in the grain, and of even texture. Its durability is proved by its being extensively used in the construction of bridges, some of which have been standing for eleven years and are still in excellent order, requiring a very small expenditure for repairs. The joints, however, are carefully protected, in order to prevent the access of water as completely as possible. For bridge-building rimu is preferred to matai in this district. White-pine or kahikatea : This timber often occurs of large dimensions and excellent quality : the comparative rarity of other good timber renders it of greater value in this district than in same others. In habits it resembles the rimu, solitary or scattered specimens being of large size ; when forming small masses, especially in very swampy ground, it is much smaller, and the quality of the timber is somewhat inferior. It is largely used for packing-cases for canned meats and similar products, also for casks, &c. Matai (black-pine) : This tree attains noble dimensions in many localities, although but rarely found in large quantity. It is not so highly valued in this district as in others, and is considered less durable than matai grown in the South. Totara: this is a very rare timber and, so far as I could learn, never occurs in quantity. Miro : not unfrequently this attains good dimensions, but is somewhat local. It is always converted when of large size, and is used for ordinary purposes, although less durable than the best rimu. Pukatea (Laurelia nova-Zelandia): this is usually converted when met with, and is used for ordinary building purposes where not in contact with the ground, also for boat-building, and for cabinet-work : it is of considerable durability, easily worked, and does not split. Tooth-leaved and entire-leaved beach : these timbers are occasionally split for railway-sleepers : as they occur but rarely in low-land districts they do not come within reach of the saw-millers. Eata (Metrosideros robusta): this is abundant throughout the district, often forming the chief constituent of the forest, and attaining enormous dimensions. It is converted to a small extent for telegraph arms, railway waggon-building, rails, &c.; and is largely used for firewood. Tawa (Bcilschwiiedia Taiva): this is abundant, at elevations below 2,000ft., throughout the district, attaining large dimensions in many localities. Specimens with trunks 36in. in diameter are not unfrequent; from 24in. to 30in. may be considered a good average, but logs of only 12in. diameter are often converted. Nearly all the saw-mills are more or less engaged in its conversion, which may be regarded as a speciality of the district, and forms an important item in its trade. Puller details will be given in another section. Puriri is much valued for sleepers, fencing-posts, and special purposes where great strength and durability are required, but has become extremely rare in the settled districts. Toro