Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 259 



cultivated as far north as lat. 70 3 ; [Prof. Schuebeler]. The flax 

 belongs to the Potash-plants. Change of seed-grain is desirable. 

 Thick sowing extends the length and flexibility of the fibre. To 

 obtain the best fibre, the plant must be pulled when the seeds com- 

 mence to ripen. If the seeds are allowed in part to mature, then 

 both fibre and seeds may be turned to account. If the seed is left 

 to ripen completely, the fibre is generally discarded. The seed 

 yields by pressure about 22 per cent, of oil. The residue can 

 either be prepared as linseed-meal or be utilised as admixture to 

 stable-fodder. The demand for both fibre and oil is enormous. 

 Two principal varieties are under culture ; a tall sort, with smaller 

 flowers, closed capsules and dark seed ; a dwarf sort, more branched 

 (even if closely sown), with larger flowers and capsules, the seed- 

 vessels opening spontaneously and with elasticity, while the seeds 

 are of a pale color None of the perennial species of Linum are 

 so manageable in culture as the ordinary annual Flax. The ordinary 

 steeping method for separating the fibre is now in many places 

 superseded by the so-called dry process through special machinery, 

 resulting in gain of yield and strength. Again, application of 

 steam to the gathered plants, or the use of chemicals have variously 

 been introduced to free the fibre. Great Britain imported in 1884 

 of Flax 80,000 tons, worth over three million pounds sterling, and 

 of Linseed 1,805,000 quarters, valued at 3,832,000 ; during 1889 

 it was: Flax 1,587,422 cwt., valued at 2,837,800; Linseed 

 2,269,495 quarters, valued at 4,570,203 ; and yet over 130,000 

 acres were under home-culture devoted to this plant. In France, 

 during 1885, the area under this crop was 104,715 acres, producing 

 442,288 cwt. of seeds and 748,028 cwt. of fibre. In Holland, where 

 the returns are most prolific, during 1884, were realised from 

 26,076 acres as much as 296,252 bushels of seeds, and 107,557 cwt. 

 of fibre. The import into Victoria during 1887 was 5,300 cwt. of 

 Flax, valued 4,879, and Linseed-oil 290,647 gallons, valued 

 34,397. 



Ziippia citriodora, Kunth. 



Peru, Chili, La Plata- States, Brazil. An evergreen shrub, 

 yielding scented oil, used for condiments and for perfumery as 

 " Verbena." The leaves fit for flavoring tea. L. Mexicana has come 

 into therapeutic use, particularly as an expectorant. 



Xiiquidambar Altingla, Blume. 



At the Red Sea and on the mountains of India and New Guinea, 

 ascending to about 3,000 feet. The tree attains a height of 200 

 feet. It yields the fragrant balsam known as Liquid Storax. 



Iiiquidambar Formosana, Hauce. 



China. A silk-prod acing insect is reared on this tree [Hance], 



R2 



