the strain stood was rather over 200 lbs; the remainder marking from 150 lbs. to 180 lbs. However, he thought such data should not be regarded as absolutely correct, but rather as indicating general results. As an illustration, a sample of flax was tested by means of a spring balance, to which was attached a clip that grasped a twisted hank of flax (a South Island sample); the other end was stretched downwards by a screw so arranged as to mark the weight on the dial of the spring balance. The sample broke after marking a strain of 225 lbs. Extracts from the results of similar experiments in England were read which put silk at 34, New Zealand flax at 23, English hemp at 16, English flax at 11, showing New Zealand flax to be a stronger vegetable fibre than any other in the market. Dr. Hector said he was once of the opinion that the best way to treat flax was by pressure or hammering, but he had, since reading Mr. Nottidge's paper on the subject, come to the opinion that the better way would be to divide the fibre by mechanical means without any pressing action, so that when subsequently subjected to a solvent, the water might find its way between every fibre, exactly as retting Irish flax. He believed this had been already done on a small scale, but the process was worthy more attention than it had received from manufacturers. Mr. Macffarlane, M.H.R., Chairman of the Flax Commission, said it was once matter for enquiry whether flax would grow from seed; but after a great number of experiments it had been ascertained that it would do so, and more readily than was generally expected. The natives themselves never grew it from seed, as they had always a sufficient supply of roots to transplant; besides, it gave them the advantage of a couple of years' growth or more. After experimenting with various kinds of machines in Auckland, they had settled pretty generally on the modifications of the fluted roller principle. After passing through the machine the plant was washed and bleached, which took from fourteen to sixteen days, according to the weather, and afterwards put through the scutcher, when it was considered fit to pack for market. To show the advantage of the washing process—which was best done in such water as that of a mill dam, as running water was found not to answer so well—he mentioned that on taking out the flax after a few seconds' immersion, a large patch of blood-coloured matter clouded the water. The process was completed after three immersions. If the flax were sent out without being cleansed in that manner it bore a yellowish appearance; and great quantities of it had from this cause become unfit for certain purposes afterwards. When they, in the North, found that flax-dressers in the South were