12G 



Besides in house building, the trunks of tree-ferns 

 are largely used for making fences round the native 

 towns to keep out pigs, which are commonly allowed 

 to run at liberty in the woods. 



The soft downy scales found on the base of the leaf- 

 stalks or stipes of some tree-ferns are used for stuffing 

 pillows, cushions, and mattresses. For this purpose 

 these scales arc an excellent substitute for feathers ; 

 but the softness of such articles makes them too hot 

 to be agreeable in the warm climate of Fiji. 



Although the gasau, a large grass or reed, may 

 be classed among the products of waste land in Fiji, 

 it is of great utility to the natives and settlers, in 

 forming the side walls of their houses, temporary 

 fences, &c. Not only arc they used in forming the 

 walls of natives and settlers' houses, but Government 

 House and offices at Nasova are formed of triple rows 

 of them, fastened together and bound to the frame- 

 work of the building by sinnet. If not so lasting as 

 weather-boarded houses, they are far more healthy, 

 cool, and any, and are altogether better adapted to the 

 climate of Fiji, particularly when surrounded by a 

 verandah. When kept dry the reeds will last 15 or 

 20 years. 



The straw of the wild sugar cane, vico, and of the 

 cultivated varieties, clovu, is of great use to both 

 natives and settlers for thatching houses. In many 

 districts it is indispensable, and it would be difficult 

 1<> find another article, sufficiently abundant, as a 

 substitute. 



