Fibres. 



214 



[April 1907. 



"^H " This general description applies to the Phormium plant wherever it grows 

 in New Zealand and Norfolk Islands, to which countries its natural range is confined ; 

 but it presents many minor variations in habit of growth, according to the climate 

 and soil. These differences are uot, however, so great as might be expected to 

 occur in a succulent plant that ranges through 18 degrees of latitude, or from 

 almost a tropical, insular climate to a country possessing a severe winter climate, 

 with prolonged frosts and snowstorms." 



It would be difficult to say what soil this hardy plant will not thrive in, 

 but there are certain conditions which it must have to be successful. There is one 

 in particular — that is sufficient moisture. It does not mean, as is generally supposed, 

 that it wants a swamp, or a running stream, but a humid climate, so as to assure 

 a constant and steady growth. In the dry, arid districts it will be found thriving 

 well along the water channels, and where the soil is free it makes wonderful 

 growth. 



Much depends on the variety planted. The late Baron von Mueller describes 

 both hill and swamp varieties. Sir James Hector mentions, in the publication 

 previously referred to, fifty varieties which are recognised by the natives, but it is 

 questionable whether many of these are not the same, or at least" Sports" or 

 hybrids, as must be the case when plants are grown together and springing up from 

 seed dropped. There is also in the work referred to an account of 25 acres being 

 planted by the " Patea Flax Company," in which the number of varieties selected 

 consisted of six, described as follows : — 



Unfortunately, whilst giving the names of varieties, they do not describe 

 the class of land planted. To plant the hill varieties in low-lying land, or swamp 

 varieties on the hills, would be a mistake. 



Varieties should be selected to suit the soil and other conditions. My experi- 

 ence leads me to say that on the light-red chocolate soil in our high-lauds, where the 

 rainfall is good, any of the hill varieties make a growth fully equal to any described. 



The same applies to light sandy or loamy soil where there is sufficient 

 moisture, with drainage. The so-called swamp varieties will do well in a situation 

 such as the banks of a running stream, or where the land is occasionally flooded, 

 but will not thrive in low, stagnant pools. The best growth is made in reclaimed 

 swamps, or where the swamp has been partly drained to the depth of one 

 foot or so. 



I cannot too strongly impress on the minds of those about to plant that 

 the soil and the variety must be considered. There should be no difficulty in 

 getting soil to suit the class of plant? available. There are large tracts of country 

 along the coast portion of it covered with cut grass and useless for any purpose. 

 Much of this land, with proper treatment would produce flax in abundance. This 

 was recommended by the late Baron von Mueller over forty years ago, when distribut- 

 ing plants, &c, from the Botanical Gardens. 



Phormium tenaoc is one of the most hardy plants introduced, and there is no 

 difficulty in finding suitable soil in most part of the State. 



CLASS OF SOIL SUITABLE. 



Oue 



Atiraukawa 

 Korako 

 Huhiroa 

 Atewheke .. 

 Tih ore 



Red edge 



Light ; bronze edge 



Black edge, light colour in leaf 



Black, narrow edge 



Scarlet edge 



Orange edge and keel 



