Davies, William, Otake, Wellington, exhibits flax in the following stages of manufacture:—

First, (248)—As scraped with mussel shell, or iron hoop, by Maories, for sale to rope-makers.

Second—The three hacklings done by settlers, (249, 260, 251,) when it is ready for rope-making.

Third—Samples of tether rope and clothes lines.

Fourth—Samples (261), flax prepared by exhibitor for making fishing lines.

Fifth—Sample (262—3), refuse flax, used for mattresses, &c.

Specimen of Hinau Bark.

The following samples of flax, prepared by the Maories, illustrate the several stages of its preparation for sale, and for making into their own garments, or mats.

A.—Sample (248), flax scraped with mussel shell, or iron hoop

B.—Sample (252), flax prepared for their coarse outside garments, or mats, for rainy days, &c.

C.—Sample (253), shews flax prior to its being dyed for the better class of clothing, or mats.

D.—Sample (254), shows flax stained by immersion in water with Hinau Bark, leaving it a brown colour.

E.—Sample (255), flax stained first as above, and then immersed in mud, which leaves it jet black.

F.—Sample (256), flax prepared as above for making into rough mats.

G—Samples (257, 258, 259), flax prepared for making up with the coarse flax (No. 252) for inside of clothing, or mats, to wear next the skin, or the better class of mat, which vary in quality, according to the amount of washing and pounding they have been subjected to

H.—Sample (260), shows flax in next stage of preparation, as rubbed by hand.

I.—Sample (262), flax made into threads after going through the above stages, and as ready for their weaving.