happen if freshly-cut flax were used. The blade was split with the thumbnail into strips from ⅛ in. to ¼ in. in width. Even strips of the same consistency in the leaf were necessary to ensure good, even netting. The thick, stiff butt end of the flax-blades being discarded left the individual strips from 3 ft. to 4 ft. long. No further preparation was needed with the strips. A requisite supply of strips were split off the flax-blades, the free edges and midrib being, of course, discarded. The strips were placed in a heap beside the netter, the butt ends being towards him.

For the framework, hoops, and handles of the nets the following were usually used:—

Rhipogonum scandens (Kareao or Pirita; Supplejack).—This is a climbing creeper, and makes ideal hoops for bag-nets. It is easily split, and makes an arched handle for crayfish-nets. Split lengths also make elastic spreaders for the torehe trap.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka).—This shrub produces long, tough poles, which form excellent handles for scoop-nets and the bag-net known as tutoko. Poles of manuka are also used to make the framework of the trap-net for the kehe fish.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Toatoa or Tanekaha; Celery-topped Pine).—This grows into a large tree, but when young supplies excellent poles, used as handles in scoop-nets for kehe and fishing-rods for warehou.

Aristotelia racemosa (Makomako; Wineberry).—Poles from this tree are also used as handles, but, whilst it is lighter than the previous two, it is more liable to break.

Dysoxylum spectabile (Kohekohe; Maori Cedar).—Long poles are used as a framework in the kehe trap-net.

(Note.—In further references to these plants the Maori name will be used.)