354 
seems important, that this valuable plant should here he 
brought universally under culture, particularly on any 
inferior spare ground or on the sea-heaches or any rocky 
declivity, where it may he left unprotected to itself, as no 
pastoral animal will touch it. It is evident, that the natural 
upgrowth will soon be inadequate to the demand for the 
plant. Merely torn into shreds the leaves serve at once in 
gardens and vineyards as cordage, and for this purpose, 
irrespective of its showy aspect, the Phormium has been 
distributed from our Botanic Grarden since the last 14 years. 
Prom the divided roots any plantation can gradually be 
increased, or this can be done more extensively still by 
sowing the seeds. In all likelihood the plant would thrive 
and become naturalized in the Auckland’s and Campbell’s 
Group, in Kerguelen’s Land, the I’alkland Islands, the 
Shetland Islands and many continental places of both 
hemispheres. Among the varieties three are better charac- 
terized than the rest ; The Tehore, 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. Pibre 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 last, 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 ton. 
Por further details on the utilization of this plant the elaborate 
reports of the New Zealand Commission for Phormium 
