416 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 1 May, 1898.] 
General Notes. 
THE PAMPAS-GRASS (GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM). 
HOW TO PRESERVE THE PLUMES. 
- New articles of industry always have difficulties to contend with in the way of 
their general adaptation ; the history of almost every product showing a pre- 
yailing prejudice against the introduction of any novelty, and many of the ~ 
most important commercial products of the present day have met with great 
opposition at the period of their introduction. I need only refer to the 
tobacco plant as an illustration of my meaning; but nothing can offer greater 
encouragement to experiment than describing any plant of commercial value, 
which, if grown for the purpose of export, would tend greatly to the material 
wealth and prosperity of the district most suitable for its growth. While we 
may usually infer from the habitat of a plant whether it is suitable for a given 
locality or not, nothing but actual experience can determine the fact. 
This grass produces a large quantity of plumes on the Downs; and if 
these were preserved and forwarded to Brisbane and the Northern towns, they 
would give good returns. There is a good demand for these plumes all over 
the colonies, where they are used for decoration. They can be dyed any 
colour; they are easily preserved, and, if done by the sweating process, they 
last for years without shedding their bloom—that is, if taken from the plants 
at the right time; for once the plumes see daylight they are useless and a 
nuisance in the dwelling, 
The proper way to preserve the plumes is, as soon as the tips of these are 
seen at the tops of the plants, they should be cut off about 3 feet down the 
stems. Take them into.some dry place; let them remain as they are for two 
or three days (this is to harden the stems) ; then strip them and wrap them in 
paper, a dozen or so together, for two days—if the weather is dull, longer. 
On a fine day take them out (you will find them very wet) ; spread them 
singly on the clean grass, which must be very clean, because the least stain 
touching the plumes when green shows up very prominently when cured, and 
be very careful that no rain or dew falls on them, or they. are spoilt. If 
possible, they should be kept erect whilst drying, and the best plan is to put 
them singly into an empty bottle (no water) ; a wad of paper around the stem 
will make them fit the neck of the bottle—this is only for home use. When 
they are cured for export from America, they are simply cured upon the lawns. 
There, one lady has an avenue 800 feet in length leading to the residence, by 
which she realises from £700 to £1,000 a year. 
They get dusty with age, but the plumes can be easily washed. This 
requires to be done carefully, otherwise they will be spoiled. You must have 
some warm soapsuds (very soapy), and into this plunge the plumes. Do not 
rub them, but soap all in one direction—the way of the grass. Linse themin — 
warm water, and wave the plumes gently to and fro till quite dry. 
The Pink Pampas cannot be preserved, as they turn a dirty colour, and 
these are best left on the plants. ; 
I do not know of any plants that look so nice as the pampas when in full 
bloom, and when the plumes are left on the plants they show up very pro- 
minently throughout the winter, just when flowers are scarce. Anyone can 
grow them; the smallest piece will grow, and the plants once started give no 
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