FLOWER committee's REPORT. 29 



three varieties, an article resembling very fine hemp, but much stronger. 

 This fibre is thought to be one of the most valuable for the manufacture 

 of cordage and twine. Moraea is also a very fine fibre, resembling flax, 

 but easier of cultivation. Caroxylon is used for the manufacture of 

 thread by the natives. Amaryllis belladonna, a bulbous root, produces 

 a substance said to equal the finest silk. Cy perns, a coarse sedge, also 

 recommended for the manufacture of paper. Corymbium strictum 

 resembles bristles, and may be used for the manufacture of coarse 

 brushes. 



One of the most valuable plants in the collection, if hardy, is Myrica 

 cordifolia or Wax Myrtle. It bears a berry about the same size as 

 our own species, but much more thickly covered with wax. This wax 

 is used for the manufacture of candles, &c. 



In regard to the Fibrous Plants, we would state that they have been 

 examined by a number of manufacturers and scientific gentlemen, who 

 have expressed a wish to have them thoroughly tested, if a suflicient 

 quantity of fibre could be procured to make it an object. 



J. Q. A. Warren, late of San Francisco, exhibited a collection of 

 pressed California Wild Flowers; also, one hundred varieties of Sand- 

 wich Island Ferns and Flowers. 



Among the California Wild Flowers were many rare species which 

 have not yet found their way to our gardens. Specimens were noticed 

 of Lilium Washingtonia, a species with large white flowers, much 

 resembling L. candidum in shape; also, L. parvum, flower bright orange, 

 Calochortus splendeus, and many others. 



August 15. 

 Miss S. A. Kussell, Miss Anna Stevens and Miss L. S. Hall each 

 showed a Basket of Flowers. 



C. B. Brigham, display of Fungi. 

 E. S. Band, Jr., fine specimen of Rhexia Yirginica. 

 W. C. Harding, twelve fine new Gladiolus. Mr. H, also exhibited a 

 collection of new Gloxinias. 



Edward Davenport, bouquet of Roses ; Francis Parkman, collection 

 of Lilies; C. B. Brigham, fine display of Double Zinnias; J. S. Rich- 

 ards, large collection of seedling Gladiolus. 



G. W. C. Washburn, B. D. Hill, Jr., and James Nugent, each, a col- 

 lection of Cut Flowers. 



James McTear, stand of Phloxes. 



August 22. 

 Joseph Breck, collection Phloxes, Double Portulacas, and fine display 

 of Double Balsams. 



George Craft and J. S. Richards, large collections of seedling Gladio- 

 lus, many of which were equal to imported named varieties. 



