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27. Hinau. — (Elaeocarpus dentatus.) Common throughout the colony; especially plentiful in some parts of the Province of Wellington. At the Taupiri Coal Mines, I examined some sleepers and props which had been in use nine years, and were then perfectly sound and in the best possible condition. The logs from which the props and sleepers had been split were taken from the bed of the river when clearing it of obstructions ; and the mine manager assured me that the timbers had become harder since they had been in use. The hinau is much valued by the settlers in the Province of Wellington, as affording most durable fencing posts and rails. I have also seen it employed in the construction of one or two bridges, but of too recent date to afford any proof of its durability. It appears, however, to split too freely for purposes of this kind, even when it can be procured of the requisite dimensions. The heart-wood is well adapted for sleepers. The timber is of a light dull brown colour, very tough, strong, and durable. Height, 50 to 60 feet; trunk, 2 to 3 feet in diameter. 28. Pokako.— (Elaeocarpus Hookerianus.) This species sometimes attains the height of 50 feet, with a trunk 2 feet in diameter, but is usually smaller. It differs widely from the preceding species in its more compact habit; smaller, closer-set leaves; and small flowers, which are produced in great abundance. The young plant has small, crowded, various-shaped leaves, and interlacing flexuous branches, in no way resembling the mature plant. The timber is whitish and compact, but apparently not durable. It is often sold as white pine in Westland and Otago, and has been utilized in the construction of earth wagons on the Southland railways. It may be used for a variety of inside work with advantage. 29. Tawa.— (Nesodaphne Tawa.) 30. Tabaibe. — (Nesodaphne Taraire.) In some localities in the North Island the tawa forms two-thirds of the forest. It is a handsome tree some 60 feet high, with a trunk 1 to 3 feet in diameter, black bark, and elegant, willow-like foliage. The timber is white, hard, and compact, but will not stand exposure. It is specially adapted for the manufacture of French bedsteads and other cheap furniture, as well as for general turnery purposes :in fact, it is available for all purposes to which beech is applied in Europe. I believe that if the Auckland and Wellington cabinetmakers were aware of the facility with which it could be worked, and the readiness with which any possible demand could be supplied, it would be extensively used. As it can still be procured within three or four miles of Wellington, a large portion of the heavy cost attendant upon the long land carriage of totara or rimu might at once be saved. I am informed by Mr. Stewart that it has recently been utilized for the panels of railway carriages, for which it seems admirably adapted. It has also been employed in the manufacture of tubs and buckets, &c, and is used for firewood in the southern part of the North Island. The taraire usually attains larger dimensions than the tawa, and develops fewer branches; it is easily distinguished by its broad, ovate leaves and light-coloured bark. Its timber splits more freely than that of the tawa, and is applied to similar purposes. It does not occur south of the Lower Waikato. 31. Titoki. — (Alectryon excelsum.) A handsome tree, with foliage resembling the European ash. Height, 50 to 60 feet; trunk, sometimes 3 feet in diameter, but usually smaller. It affords a fine-grained, compact red timber of great toughness and elasticity, well adapted for the purposes of the machinist and shipwright, but is not durable when exposed. Much valued for carpenters' tool haudles. Chiefly in the North Island. 32. Tawaei.— (lxerba brexioides.) A remarkably attractive tree, with long, lanceolate, bright green leaves, and large white flowers. Height, 50 to 60 feet, with trunk 1 to 3 feet in diameter, but often smaller. Wood, white, hard, dense, and heavy; apparently of great durability, but has not been utilized. It attains its largest dimensions at an altitude of 1,500 feet and upwards, on the Hirakimata and Cape Colville ranges, and is most plentiful in the kauri district. 33. Mangeao.— (Tetranthera calicaris.) A tree 30 to 40 feet high; trunk, 1^ to 21 feet in diameter; producing a white, close-grained timber of great toughness. Extensively used in Auckland for the manufacture of ships' blocks, &c, bullock-yokes, and for various wheelwrights' purposes. 34. Eewabewa.— (Knightia excelsa.) This is usually esteemed a perishable timber, and, I think, with justice. The late Mr. Millett, Gold Fields Engineer at the Thames, held a different opinion, and employed it experimentally for sleepers on a small portion of one of the tramways, I believe about two years ago, but I have not learned the results. I examined a pile in a jetty at the Thames, which was perfectly sound, even the sap fresh, after having been driven five years. The base was attacked by teredines, but not greatly damaged. I have also seen fencing-rails perfectly sound after five years' use. On the other hand, trees cut down and left in the bush are often badly decayed within a year. This ornamental timber is used by cabinetmakers and inlayers, and, although nearly valueless at present, might be advantageously exported if sawn into planks from 3 to 6 inches in thickness, and dried in airy sheds. From its liability to become " foxy," it would be useless to ship it in an unseasoned condition, as it would become worthless during the voyage. lam convinced that, if once fairly