RAMIE. 9 



fiber from the dry stalks. If this macliine does as well in actual 

 commercial work as it has in Uie rather extensive trials, it may be 

 regarded as satisfactory for decorticating the dry stalks. Fiber 

 decorticated from green stalks is desired for most deguniining proc- 

 esses, and machines are now being perfected for this work. 



The outlook for the ramie hidustry in this country appears promis- 

 ing. At least five different companies are operating mills for degum- 

 ming, combing, and spinning ramie. Tlie manufactures of ramie 

 yarns, shoe thread, dress goods, and incandescent gas mantles have 

 become established industries. Increasing quantities of ramie goods 

 are being offered under the name "ramie," so the purchasing pub- 

 lic may soon learn to recognize the merits of tliis superior fiber. 

 In some instances its reputation has been hijured by goods made of 

 badly degummed fiber wearing out quickly in the laundry, by goods 

 made of noils sold to compete with the better grades made from 

 tops, and, worst of all, by cheap jute goods sold under the name 

 "ramie." 



The unportations of raw ramie fiber from China and of d(^gummed 

 fiber and ramie yarns from Europe, the established manufacture of 

 ramie goods m this country, and the mcreasing demand for these 

 goods indicate clearly that a market for the fiber is assured. The 

 question remains for the American farmer, Can this raw fiber, the 

 yield of which is scarcely more than 4 per cent of the weight of the 

 green crop, or 800 to 2,500 pounds per acre, be produced at a cost 

 permitting it to compete with the hand-cleaned ramie fiber from 

 China « 



Approved : 



James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



Washington, D. C, September 12, 1912. 



[Cir. 103] 



o 



