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two to three feet in diameter, but its timber is worthless. Some of the smaller kinds make good firewood. Old settlers know the value of koromiko for boiling a billy because of the heat produced.
Tu-tu is widely distributed over New Zealand. There are many varieties, all of which are poisonous. The poison lurks in the seeds of the berries, which hang in drooping clusters from the plant. The berries themselves are non-poisonous, and the juice expressed through a cloth is a pleasant and refreshing drink. The Maoris used to gather the berries and strain off the seeds, and allow the liquor to ferment, producing quite a good wine. A peculiar circumstance in connection with Tu-tu is that, although poisonous to man, to cattle, sheep, and even pigs, it does not affect birds, for pigeons, tuhis, and mako-makos feed on the berries with impunity.
Clematis.—There are many varieties of this climbing shrub. Some have large, handsome white flowers growing in great profusion, and spreading out over the tops of some of the highest forest trees. Amongst the smaller varieties are some having a fine perfume. The sweetest perfume comes from a small yellow species.
