The leaves seemed so pliable and strong, that I examined them to see to
what further use they might be put. Their tissue was composed of long
silky fibres. A sudden thought struck me--this must be New Zealand
flax. I could not rest till I had announced this invaluable discovery
to my wife. She was no less delighted than I was.
`Bring me the leaves!' she exclaimed. `Oh, what a delightful
discovery! No one shall now be clothed in rags; just make me a
spindle, and you shall soon have shirts and stockings and trousers, all
good homespun! Quick, Fritz, and bring your mother more leaves!'
We could not help smiling at her eager zeal; but Fritz and Ernest
sprang on their steeds, and soon the onager and buffalo were galloping
home again, each laden with a great bundle of flax. The boys dismounted
and deposited their offering at their mother's feet.
`Capital!' she exclaimed. `I shall now show you that I am not at all
behindhand in ingenuity. This must be retted, carded, spun and woven,
and then with scissors, needle and thread I will make you any article
of clothing you choose.'
We decided that Flamingo Marsh would be the best spot for the
operation of steeping or `retting' the flax, and next morning we set
out thither; the cart drawn by the ass, and laden with the bundles,
between which sat Franz and Knips, while the rest of us followed with
spades and hatchets.
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