Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Chapter 11: Different varieties of flax all distinguished by name. "The extent of knowledge possessed by the New Zealanders in regard to the wild plants and insects of their country has sometimes surprised me." P.206: In the Bay of Plenty, these flaxes are of equal value - harakeke, warariki, mangaeka. Best fibre is rongotainui. Not found growing plentifully in wild state, but is cultivated to a moderate extent. Motuorui and awanga - inferior flaxes of `no value whatever". Awanga distinguished by its variegated leaf. Describes preparation processes. Above varieties are stripped with the use of a shell. Oue or tāpoto can be stripped by hand (of tīhore class). Soft, almost resemble silk but two defects - fibres shorter, and more feeble. Oue prefers rich deep soil, moderately dry. Much cultivated by natives.