Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/25

8 cal research; but independently of the advantages to be derived from that pursuit, the timber and flax produced here may at some future time be found highly valuable.

The timber of which we have the most knowledge at present is the fir, which grows here to an amazing height, and of such dimensions, as to admit of being formed into a canoe capable of containing thirty persons, or in other words, five and six feet diameter.

Their weapons of war prove the existence of a hard wood somewhat similar to lignum vitæ growing in this country. This tree is more than a foot in diameter.

The flax is of a very superior quality in its native state; but there can be no doubt, but that it might be improved by cultivation. Its texture is beautifully silky, the fibres of great strength, and four or five feet long.

The fern grows here in great abundance; the root of which is held in great estima-