20 
LXI. — Gahnia Radula (Bentbam) syn. Cladium Radula (R. 
Brown), ‘‘Cutting Grass/’ “ Black "Reed,” or “ Brickmaker’s 
Grass.” Order Ctjperacece, Victoria, South Australia, and 
Tasmania. 
A coarse tufted perennial, very plentiful on poor rather wet 
land, especially near the coast. It is chiefly valued by the 
settlers as a thatching materia!, for which purpose it is well 
adapted, lasting for several years. As a fibre-plant it may be of 
no value, the filaments being harsh and brittle ; but as a paper- 
stock it may prove of commercial importance, even as an admix - 
ture with other material. It can be obtained in almost unlimited 
quantity in our colony. Prepared by boiling for 24 hours, and 
then scraping. 
LXII. — Grewia occidentalis (Linn^us). “ African Star 
Bush ” or “ Kaffir Hemp Bush.” Order Tiliacece, Africa. 
A quick-growing evergreen shrub, which bears a profusion of 
bright purple aster-like flowers of great beauty. The bark of the 
young branches furnishes by maceration a strong fibrous bast, 
which might be manufactured into ropes, cordage, &c. The plant 
thrives in Australia, and is easily propagated both by seed and 
from cuttings, the latter rooting freely out of doors, if put in 
during the autumn season. The young branches take 18 clays, 
and tlie older 27 days, to macerate. 
“ A white fibre of great strength extracted by retting, and 
much used by the Kaffirs.” (Spon.) 
LXIII. — Hibiscus herbaceus. (Veil). “ Herbaceous Rose 
Mallow.” Order 3Ialvacecid, Brazil. 
Prepared by maceration for a period of 20 days, .sample 
obtained from inferior material. May yet prove a good fibre 
plant if cultivated for that purpose. Like the Boehmerias it 
increases rapidly during our summer, and dies partly down in 
winter. Two crops of “ canes ” per year can be relied upon, 
first crop 3 feet, second crop 2 feet, stems. 
LXIV. — Hibiscus HETERoriiYLLcs (Ventenat.) “ Queensland 
Sorrel Tree ” or “ Batham.” Order Malvaceoe, New South 
Wales and Queensland. 
A tall stout-branched shrub or small tree. Flowers large, 
white, with crimson centre. Tiie bark affords a fibre very 
similar in quality and appearance to that prepared from H. splen- 
dens. Prepared by maceration — young branches, 16 days ; old 
branches, 6 days longer. The present sample Avas obtained from 
very unsuitable wood. 
