April 1907.] 



Fibres. 



PROPAGATION. 



There are two methods by which plants may be provided, namely, " seedling" 

 and " division of roots." The division of roots, or stools, is that generally recognised 

 as being the best. 



A well-grown plant will give from 50 to 100 sets, and by careful selection the 

 best quality of plants could be secured. This is most important to those about to 

 plant in this State, as it is generally recognised in New Zealand that only a portion 

 of the plants growing are of sufficient value, from a fibre-producing point of view, 

 for the labour incurred in its extraction. 



When planting from one set, as described above, none but such plants as are 

 approved of should be set out. The testing of a leaf or so of each plant is extremely 

 simple, and need not be referred to here ; but if this precaution is taken, as I have 

 already stated, nothing but suitable plants will be selected. 



The second system is raising plants by seed. This takes a much longer time 

 in bringing plants to maturity. Whilst it may be considered a reasonable thing to 

 expect a cutting in a plantation when from three to four years old, it would take 

 much longer with seedling plants. 



The method of raising by the officer in charge of the gardens of the City 

 Corporation, on the bank of the Yarra, is simple, but effective. The seeds are sown 

 in boxes ; when they reach a certain stage they are potted out, and after remaining 

 some time they are set out in beds. As these plants are raised for ornamental 

 purposes only, the methods adopted by him will not answer so far as selection 

 is concerned. 



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 ; but where, as in this 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 as described above, it would be unwise to adopt this course. I 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 recognised 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 con- 

 cerned. The crops of Phormium tenax are generally self-sown, and in their natural 

 state grow without cultivation, but the principle is similar to various other plant- 

 ations 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 full 

 grown, spread out, covering from 4 to 6 feet in width, and whilst they would be kept 

 in check to a certain extent by an annual cutting, the planting would necessitate 

 allowing sufficient room for the plants to develop thoroughly. 



The plantation of the Patea Flax Company, referred to previously, was set 

 out in rows (i feet apart, and plants standing feet between each other in the rows ; 

 but it is quite clear that where the land is suitable, and other conditions favourable, 



