OP FLAX COMMISSIONERS.

7

G.—No. 4a,

primary cell-wall has small triangular spaces at the places where neighbouring cells meet, and always shows a tendency to split (as in the ripening of fruits in which the cells separate one from the other by splitting of primary cell-wall), little difficulty will exist in separating the fibres one from the other if the walls are strong and thick enough to bear it. The thick-walled fibres used by the Natives, and in which the fibres are separable, demonstrate this fact clearly. As the cells of the Phormium differ in no way from all other tissue-cells in the way in which they are united, it is hardly necessary to say more on this point. N.B. —All measurements in fraction of an English inch. § 11. —Meisueements op Fibees of Native-pees sed Samples of New Zealand Flax. No. 1. — Harakeke, washed. No. la. 8 Fibres examined. Diameter of Fibre. Diameter of Cavity. A ... ... ... ... -0006 -00015 B .... ... ... ... -0007 -00015 C ... ... ... ... -00065 -000125 D ... ... ... ... -00065 -00015 E ... ... ... ... -000625 -00015 F ... ... ... ... -00075 -00015 a ... ... ... ... -0008 -00015 H ... ... ... ... -000675 -00025 Mean ... -000681 Mean ... -000159 No. 15. 5 Fibres examined. Diameter of Fibre. Diameter of Cavity. I ... ... ...' ... -0009 -000625 J ... ... ... ... -0008 -00045 K ... ... ... ... -000825 -0005 L ... ... ... ... -000725 -0003 M ... ... ..,. ... -0008 -000325 Mean ... -00081 Mean ... -00044 No. 1J was selected from a sample of No. 1. The fibres were closely adherent, and very difficult to separate. In the mass it appeared as a dull white thread wanting lustre. Only one was observed in the sample. No. 2. — Harakeke, unwashed. 9 Fibres examined. Diameter of Fibre. Diamet3r of Cavity. A. ....... .. ... '0007 -0002 B ... ... -0007 -0001 C ... ... -00065 -000125 D ... ... ... -00025 -000175 E ... ... -0008 -00025 F " ... ... ... -OOOO55 -00015 G- .. ... -0005 -00015 H ... " ... ... -0006 -0001 I ... ... ... ... -0006 -00012 Mean ... "00063 Mean ..7 '00015 No. 3. — Harakeke, back of leaf. No. 3a. 3 Fibres examined. Diameter of Fibre. Diameter of Cavity. A ... ... -0005 -000125 B ... ... -00055 -0001 C ... ••• ••• "00055 -0001 Mean .... -00053 -000108 Best looking samples of No. 3 fibres stained in places.'