24 



as they are cold the temperature of the water is at once reduced. They 

 can be left in the wafer (but must be entirely covered by it) until this 

 again boils, — or even a little longer, — They are then taken out, well 

 shaken to get all water possible out of them, and hung up on a string 

 to dry. This must be done in the open air, and in the shade, —never 

 in the sun. After drying thus for say one day, they can be put in the 

 S'-.n to bleach more To get them still whiter, the juice of several 

 lemons may be mixed with the water in which they are boiled. In 

 the course of the drying of the straw, it curls up naturally, so that a 

 flat straw of ^ inch wide, becomes rounded and less than 1/16 inch. 

 I am sending to you to-day by bearer — 



1. One leaf, just in state for gathering. 



2. One leaf, (which had been rather over-ripe for gathering) with 

 the exterior pleats and the centre ones removed. 



3. One leaf, as per No. 2, but with the edges or fringes of the 

 pleats separated, but hanging down, tied up, so as to show you what 

 has to be separated in this manner. 



4. Oue ''Ocho de paja" prepared as above described in my presence, 

 dried &c It is not so white as it should be, because the leaf experi- 

 mented upon was rather over-ripe, and no lemon juice was used, I 

 also send you a few more plants which I hope may grow with you. 



I may further mention that for using the straw, the two fringes or 

 outside edges of each straw, are again torn off. About three inches 

 from top, and two inches from bottom of straw are cut ufE, and the re- 

 mainder is the part used for making the hats. 



I trust the above explanation may be found sufficiently clear, and 

 extensive for your requirements There are no expenses. 



I have not yet obtained the sample of hats, in course of preparation. 



Plants and samples go through the British Consul, Panama. Would 

 you like seeds of the C. palmata ? 



Faithfully yours, 



Alfred Cartwright. 



H.B.M. Consul, Ouatjaquil, to Director, Public Gardens and Plantations, 



Jamaica. 



Guayaquil, Deer. 3rd, 1902. 

 Dear Sir, 

 I have lately received some seed cones of Carludovica palmata for 

 Bermudas, and thought you also might like some, so I send you a part 

 of them. 



I am also forwarding a \ ackage of the young leaves just in the 

 proper state for preparing the straw, and which should arrive in good 

 state for you to practise the lesson I recently sent as to the modus 

 operandi in the preparation of it. I have not yet received the hat in 

 course of manufacture. 



Faithfully yours, 



Alfred Cartwright. 

 [Issued Jan. 22nd, 1903.] 

 Printed at the Govt. Printing Office, Kingston, Jam. 



