[31] It would also be desirable to have the cases made in such a manner, as to be opened if required, and a closer inspection of the specimens obtained, which is often requisite for scientific examinations. To George Macleay, Esq. the museum is indebted for many valuable species of birds, which he had collected during his arduous journey in the exploration of the course of the Murrumbidge river, in the expedition under Captain Sturt. [32] Captain Cook observes, “Of this plant, there are two sorts; the leaves of both resemble those of flags, but the flowers are smaller, and their clusters more numerous: in one kind, they are yellow; and in the other, a deep red.” This plant is also indigenous to Norfolk Island, which, in its vegetation, partakes more of New Zealand than the Australian continent. Captain Cook observes, that at Norfolk Island, “we observed many trees and plants, common at New Zealand, and, in particular, the flax plant, which is rather more luxuriant here than in any part of the country.” [33] Captain George Harris, R. N., C. B., and member for Grimsby, in the present parliament, has recently been manufacturing rope and cables of the phormium tenax, or New Zealand flax; and instead of tar, substitutes a solution of gum, or some such substance, (principally, we suspect, the caoutchouc or Indian rubber,) by which, it is contended, the rope is rendered stronger, more pliant, and less liable to part in short bends, turns, or clinches, and being stronger, smaller ropes than those now in use will answer for ships’ rigging; the consumption of hemp, of course, diminishes in proportion—we say hemp, because the solution will also impart to the hemp the qualities we have named. If, however, a substitute is to be found for hemp and tar, we are rendered independent of the Russian trade in these articles;—a most desirable object, should the state of Europe at any time involve us in a difference with that nation. The bogs and rough ground of Ireland, all our African possessions and West Indian islands, and New South Wales, are particularly adapted to the culture of the phormium tenax. Captain Harris was here on Monday, and superintended the making of a 14½ inch cable, which is to be tried on his Majesty’s ship _Rainbow_. A trial is also to be made of the relative strength of the phormium tenax and hemp in this yard, in a few days, for which a piece of 14½ inch cable has been expressly manufactured. The price of hemp per ton is £38; that of the phormium tenax £28. Of the experiments that have been made at Woolwich, by order of the Admiralty, the following are the results:—