17 



Propagation. 



There are two methods by which plants may be provided, 

 namely, " seedlings," and " division of roots." The division 

 of roots or stools, is that generally recognised as being the 

 best. ###■##'■•'"*•#•• 



It is well understood that when a number of plants of the 

 same variety are grown together that the flowers become 

 hybridized, and that the seedling cannot be regarded as 

 characteristic of the parent. No doubt, it is a much less 

 expensive way to secure plants, bat where, as in this case, a 

 plantation is made for almost all time, it will repay the 

 selection of plants when planting. 



To those who have isolated plants growing and these of 

 sufficient merit to warrant their use, the seeds may be used 

 with safety ; but where there is any chance of the plants becoming 

 as described above, it would be unwise to adopt this course. 1 

 regret to say that in New Zealand, where this industry 

 flourishes to such a large extent, very little attention is given 

 to the selection of plants ; although it takes a certain number 

 of tons to produce a ton of fibre, it is recongised that by 

 selection and cultivation the same weight of leaves will yield 

 twice the amount of fibre. I cannot help thinking that in the 

 establishment of an industry of this kind it is imperative that 

 a thorough investigation should be made into the character 

 and condition of the plants about to be set out. 



Method op Planting. 



There is nothing to guide us in this respect so far as 

 plantations are concerned. The crops of Phormium tenax are 

 generally self-sown, and in their natural state grow without 

 cultivation, but the principal is similar to various other planta- 

 tions which have to be worked by manual labour. The 

 character of the soil will have much to do with distance and 

 other arrangement. The plants when fully grown, spread out, 

 covering from 4 to 6 feet in width, and whilst they would be 

 kept in check, to a certain extent by annual cutting, the 

 planting would necessitate allowing sufficient room for the 

 plant to develope thoroughly. 



The plantation of the Patea Flax Company, referred to 

 previously, was set out in rows 6 feet apart, and plants stand- 

 ing H feet between each other in the rows ; but it is quite clear 

 that where the land is suitable, and other conditions favour- 

 able, that the ground would be completely covered, and the 

 plants become stunted from want of nourishment. If an 

 additional 2 or 3 feet were left between the rows, it would 

 allow for the working generally of the plantation. 



