Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/109

 fond of the Whitewood leaves, and, next to Karaka, they furnish the best food for milk and beef. The wood, when dry, is very light, and was much in request by the Maoris for firewood in the olden days. It was light and easy to collect and carry, but its chief merit was that, although it did not blaze, it gave out considerable heat by a slow smouldering combustion—a piece about two feet would keep alight all night. When moving away the Maoris picked out a piece of Whitewood from the fire, and carried it with them. It burned for many hours, and when another fire became necessary all that was required was to shake the stick, when it would blaze up sufficiently to start it.

Karaka is a handsome tree growing in the northern part of the South Island and in the North Island. It is found near the sea, and was planted by the Maoris in their settlements as a food supply. It bears large yellowish berries. The leaves of the Karaka are the best food for cattle alike for milk and beef. Cattle get very fat on Karaka leaves.

Puriri only grows in the North Island, north of Gisborne on the East Coast, and north of Taranaki on the West Coast. It is only to be found near the sea. It is a hand-