228 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDTJSTKLA.L CULTURE 



plantation <;an gradually be increased, or this can be done more 

 extensively still by sowing tbe seeds. In all likelihood the 

 plant would thrive and become naturalised in the Auckland 

 and Campbell's G-roupj in Kerguelen's Land, the Falkland 

 Islands, the Shetland Islands, and many continental places of 

 both hemispheres. It proved hardy in England. Among the 

 varieties three are better characterised than the i-est : the Te- 

 hore, the Swamp, and the Hill variety. The first and the last 

 mentioned produce a fibre fine and soft, yet strong, and the 

 plants attain a height of only about 5 feet, whereas the 

 Swamp variety grows to double that height, producing a larger 

 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 £19 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 Ipn. 

 For further details on the utilisation 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). 



Fhotiuia eriobotrya, J. Hooker. {Erioiotri/a Ja^onica, Lindley.) 



China and Japan. The Loquat. This beautiful evergreen 

 shrub or tree with its refreshing fruit is easily raised from 

 seed, or superior varieties can, according to G. W. Johnson, 

 be grafted also on the Whitethorn, or, better, still on the 

 Quince. It is also a grand bush for scenic ornamental effects, 



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 



