24fi 



Agave vivipara L. Tapemete. 



The most common agave seen in western Mexico was A. vivipara. 

 This species is restricted to the tropics, being 1 found from near sea level 

 up to about 3,000 feet altitude. It was seen as far north as (i nay mas, 

 and extends at least as far south as Acapulco. It does not grow in 

 the United States, as is sometimes stated. It was seen on the sides of 

 all the tropical valleys which 1 crossed in Territorio de Tepic, Zacate- 

 cas, and Jalisco, and may be found as far south as the City of Mexico. 

 This species yields considerable fiber, at least for local consumption. 

 The fibers are about 2 feet long, of medium weight and good strength. 

 1 saw it used only in making a coarse thread or twine for knitting the 

 rude hand bags so generally carried by the country people. Strings 

 are also made by cutting off narrow strips from the leaves, as one would 

 from rawhide. The plant is known as "tapemete." In this species the 

 leaves are 7 to 9 dm. (28 to 36 inches) long, about 3.5 cm. (1£ inches) 

 broad, and more or less glaucous, and the margins have small brown 

 prickles. (For fiber, see PI. LII.) 



Its alliances seem to be with the Ivigidae group. Ft does not closely 

 resemble Agave virginiea (Manfreda), as is stated in some reference 

 books. 



Numerous herbarium specimens, and specimens of fiber and fiber 

 products of this species, were brought back. 

 Agave sp. Ifrn.A. 



In the little town of Bolafios, State of Jalisco, the natives extract 

 considerable fiber from one of their cultivated agaves, which they call 

 "huila." It yields a very coarse, harsh fiber, used mostly for making 

 heavy ropes. This species has not been determined definitely. It 

 appears to be the one so much employed in the manufacture of mescal. 



Good herbarium specimens and specimens of fiber were obtained. 



Agave sp. 



In southeastern Sinaloa an agave grows on the sides of the highest 

 mountains (altitude about 3,000 feet) which is said to be used by the 

 people of that region for its fiber. J did not sec any of it, however, in 

 use, and so was not able to confirm the statement. But it is certainly 

 true that the plant has a good, strong fiber. This species appears to be 

 new to science. It produces about 20 leaves, which are to 8 dm. (24 

 to 32 inches) long and 7.5 to 8.5 cm. (3 to 3| inches) broad at the widest 

 part, with the margin closely serrate and the apex tapering into a long, 

 weak spine. 



Good herbarium and living specimens of this species were brought 

 back to Washington. 



Agave app. 



In the Sierra Madro the people obtain most of their fiber from two 

 or three closely related species. These species are of the A. filifera 

 type, having linear leaves and a pungent tip, while the margin frays 

 off into white threads. One of these species is the recently described 



