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 very hard, durable, and close in the grain. It is a heavy timber, but will not last in the ground except in wet places. It is excellent for firewood, burning clearly and slowly, producing great heat and not sparking.

Kahikatea, or White Pine, generally grows on wet land. The timber is not suitable for house-building, as it is too subject to the “borer.” It is light and tough, whitish in colour, and is best adapted for butter and cheese boxes, for which it is admirably suited. It is not good firewood.

Towai, or Birch, is a large family, comprising many varieties. The red and black are the best, and are much in request for fencing and for covering wharfs and bridges. This timber cracks so much that it is not suitable for house-building, though heavy and strong. The red variety splits well, and is greatly used for post and rail fencing. White birch grows on poor land, and at a high altitude. It used to be much in demand for round rafters for station huts and wool sheds. It makes excellent firewood, and burns green. It is of no use for ground purposes.

Rimu or Red Pine—A handsome tree with feathery, drooping foliage It is widely distributed over New Zealand, more so,