Timber and Forest-Trees.

The general character of the New Zealand woods resembles the growths of Tasmania and the Continent of Australia, most of them being harder, heavier, and more difficult to work than the majority of European and North American timbers. They vary, however, very much among themselves. Many varieties are very durable, and Manuka, Totara, Kauri, Black-birch, Kowhai, and Matai appear to be the most highly esteemed on the whole.