368 FOREST CULTURE AND 
brackish water, but it will not live if permanently 
sunk into wet. In swampy ground trenches should 
be dug to divert the surplus of humidity. Fiber free 
from gum-resin, properly dressed, withstands moist- 
ure as well as the best Manila rope. Carefully prepar- 
ed, the fiber can also be spun into various textile, dura- 
ble fabrics, either by itself or mixed with cotton, wool, 
or flax. In October last, the sale of Phormium fiber in 
London was 11,500 bales, ranging in price from £19 
to £31. The tow can also be converted into paper, 
distinguished for its strength and whiteness. The 
London price of Phormium fiber for this purpose is 
from £10 to £20 per ton. 
For further details on the utilization of this plant 
the elaborate reports of the New Zealand Commission 
for Phormium should be consulted. Oneof the dwarf 
varieties is Phormium Colensoi, J. Hook. 
Physalis Alkekengi, L.—The Strawberry Tomato, 
or Winter Cherry. Middle and South Europe, North 
Africa, Middle Asia, extending to Japan; said to have 
come originally from Persia. A perennial herb. The 
berry, which is red, and of a not unpleasant taste, 
has some medicinal value. The leaves contain a bit- 
ter principle—Physalin. 
Physalis angulata, L.—In many tropical countries, 
extending asa native plant to the northern parts of 
the United States and to Japan. An annual herb. 
Yellowish ; the berries edible. P. minima, L. (P. par- 
viflora, R. Br.), appears to be a variety, and extends 
also into tropical Australia. 
Physalis Peruviana, L.— Temperate and tropical 
America; widely naturalized in many countries of 
the warmer zones. With double inaptness called the 
