Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 375 



to double that height, producing a larger yield of a coarser fibre, 

 which is chiefly used for rope- or paper-making. One of the most 

 dwarf varieties is P. Colensoi (J. Hooker), a lax variety is P. 

 Hookeri (Gunn). As might be expected, the richer the soil, the 

 more vigorous the growth of the plant. Flooding now and then 

 with fresh or brackish water is beneficial, but the plant will not 

 live, if this be permanent. 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 be spun into various textile 

 durable fabrics, either by itself or mixed with cotton, wool or flax. 

 Elegant articles are woven from it by the Maories. In October, 1872, 

 the sale of Phormium-fibre in London was 11,500 bales, ranging in 

 price from 19 to 31. In 1888 the value of Phormium-fibre 

 exported from New Zealand amounted to 90,000. The tow can 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. Messrs. Christy, Cross and Bevan employ a freezing 

 process in separating all kinds of fibres from stalks or foliage, and this 

 method proved particularly advantageous in treating Phormium. A 

 strong decoction of the root and leaf -basis used in surgery for dressing 

 wounds with a view of producing ready and healthy granulation [F. 

 A. Monkton]. For further details on the utilisation of this plant, the 

 elaborate report of the New Zealand Commission for Phormium should 

 be consulted, also Sir James Hector's special publication. 



Photinia eriobotrya, J. Hooker.* (P. Japonica, Franchet and Savatier ; 

 Eriobotrya Japonica, Lindley. ) 



The " Loquat." China and Japan. This beautiful evergreen 

 shrub or small tree, remarkable for its refreshing fruit, is easily 

 raised from seed ; or superior varieties can, according to G. W. 

 Johnson, be grafted not only on its own stock, but also on the White- 

 thorn, or better still on the Quince. It is also a grand bush for 

 scenic ornamental effects, and lifts well. Growth of celerity, but 

 needs to be well sustained by humidity to bear copiously. In Sou- 

 thern Australia flowering during midwinter ; the flowers are intensely 

 fragrant, and do not suffer from a few degrees of frost ; hence this 

 plant is of particular horticultural importance, to contribute amply 

 to garden- fragrance in winter-time. About Trieste the Loquat is 

 the earliest fruit of the season [Baron von Thuemen], bearing also 

 copiously there. In Greece the fruits ripen already during May. 

 Hemsley mentions this plant among the shrubs and trees, hardy in 

 England, where however it seldom matures its fruits. Seeds must be 

 sown soon after they are ripe. They contain much hydrocyanic acid 

 and are therefore only fit for medicinal use. Most important as a 

 honey-plant, flowering so early [Prof. Savastano]. P. villosa, D.C., 

 also yields edible native fruit to the Japanese. Bore profusely in 

 Wicklow [G. Donaldson]. 



