

IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 237 



yield of a coarser fibre, which is chiefly used for rope or paper 

 making. As might be expected, the richer the soil the more 

 vigorous the growth of the plant ; it likes, moreover, now and then 

 to be overflown by fresh or 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. Fibre, free from gum- 

 resin, properly dressed, withstands moisture as well as the best 

 Manilla rope. Carefully prepared, the fibre can also be spun into 

 various textile durable fabrics, either by itself or mixed with cotton, 

 wool, or flax. In October, 1872, the sale of Phormium fibre in 

 London was 11,500 bales, ranging in price from 1 9 to 31. The 

 tow can also be converted into paper, distinguished for its strength 

 and whiteness. The London price of Phormium fibre for this 

 purpose is from 10 to 20 per ton. 



For further details on the utilization of this plant, the elaborate 

 report of the New Zealand Commission for Phormium should be 

 consulted. One of the dwarf varieties is Phormium Colensoi (J. 

 Hooker). 



Photinia eriobotrya, J. Hooker. (P. Japonica, Franch. and Javat.) 

 (Eriobotrya Japonica, Lindley.) 



China and Japan. The Loquat. This beautiful evergreen shrub 

 or tree with its refreshing fruit is easily raised from seed, or supe- 

 rior varieties can, according to G. W. Johnson, be grafted not 

 only on its own stock, but also on the Whitethorn, or better still 

 on the Quince. It is also a grand bush for scenic ornamental 

 effects. P. villosa (Cand.) yields also edible native fruit to the 

 Japanese. 



Phyllocladus rhomboidalis, Richard. 



Celery Pine of Tasmania. A stately tree up to 60 feet high, with 

 a stem of 2 to 6 feet in diameter. The timber is valuable for ships' 

 masts. It will only grow to advantage in deep forest valleys. 



Phyllocladus trichomanoides, Don. 



Celery Pine of New Zealand, northern island ; it is also called Pitch 

 Pine by the colonists ; native name, Tanekaha. This tree attains a 

 height of 70 feet, with a straight stem of 3 feet in diameter, and 

 furnishes a pale close-grained timber, strong, heavy, and remarkably 

 durable, according to Professor Kirk, greatly valued for mine-props, 

 struts, caps, sleepers, water-tanks, bridge planks and piles, and 

 spars ; the Maoris employ the bark for dyeing red and black. 



Phyllostachys bambusoides, Siebold. 



Himalaya, China, and Japan. A dwarf Bamboo, but hardy, 

 and the yellowish canes available for excellent walking-sticks 

 (Griffith). 



