NEW ZEALAND FLAX. 183 



The value of S, that is the constant representing the strain any par- 

 ticular wood can bear without fracture, is calculated for each specimen. 

 As a means for comparison it may be stated that the value of S in the 

 following known woods has been stated by Barlow to be as follows : 



Superior English Oak S = 2037 to 2261 



Ash 

 Elm 



Birch 



2037 



1031 to 1206 



1820 to 2037 



■ 



I have not considered it necessary to calculate in any case the value 

 of E, that is, the constant representing the elasticity of the wood ; but 

 the results given in the accompanying Table are sufficient for this pur- 

 pose, should the elasticity of any particular specimen be required. 



To decide with confidence on the value of those New Zealand woods 

 which have exhibited desirable properties, further trials would be ne- 

 cessary. At present I would suggest that other specimens of Nos. 3, 

 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, of the Table, say four of each kind, in length not under 

 5 feet 6 inches and 3 inches by 2 in scantling, be obtained and be sub- 



mitted to further tests. 



E. W. Ward, Captain Royal Engineers. 



New Zealand Max. 



The same 'New Zealand Gazette,' mentioned at the head of our last 

 article, announces the following judicious reward to any person or 

 persons who should produce Flax from the Phormium tenax y under 

 the following conditions : 



" NEW ZEALAND FLAX. £4000 REWARD. 



"Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, December 20th, 1856. 



" The Government of New Zealand is prepared, subject to the un- 

 der-mentioned conditions, to give rewards to the amount of £4000, for 

 the discovery of efficient means for rendering the Flax, and other fibrous 

 plants of New Zealand, available as articles of export, viz. : 



Two Thousand Pounds to the person who shall, by some process 

 of his own invention, first produce from the Phormium tenax, or other 

 fibrous plant indigenous to New Zealand, one hundred tons of mer- 

 chandise. 



" One Thousand Pounds to any person, other than the person en- 

 titled to the first reward, who shall, by some process of his own inven- 



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