580 Journal of the Department of Agriculture. 



from lO.T-11.9 per cent., and fibre of excellent quality has been 

 obtained. 



There is, however, much yet to be learnt reg-arding this plant 

 before it can be recommended to g-roM^ers in South Africa for cultiva- 

 tion. 



The main points deserving of consideration and worth further 

 attention are: — 



1. Is there a market in South Africa for this class of fibre? 



2. Can the fibre be produced in sufficient quantity and as a 



payable proposition tc supply a local demand or build up 

 an export trade ? 



3. Of the many varieties of Hibiscus cannahinus at present in 



South Africa, which are the most suitable for cultivation 

 as regards yield and quality of fibre? 



The only possibility of establishing a permanent industry with 

 crops of this kind is through the medium of science and careful 

 org'anization. The scientific botanist is necessary for the study and 

 improvement of the plants in the field, while the technologist is 

 required for the investigation of the fibre in the laboratory. 



No results of any value from a field study of this crop could be 

 expected for at least five years, and such an investigation to be pro- 

 perly carried out would require the whole time of one or more qualified 

 investig-ators. 



Hibiscus cannabinus thrives naturally in many parts of South 

 Africa. The crop is an easy one to grow. It produces a heavy yield 

 of fibre of excellent quality. The plant certainly has possibilities, 

 but until these have been thoroughly investigated on scientific lines 

 it cannot be recommended for trial on a commercial scale. Much has 

 already been achieved from the botanial study of this plant in India, 

 and there is no reason to suppose that similar results could not be 

 obtained in South Africa if the proper organization and machinery 

 were set in motion. 



Specimens of Hibiscus cannabinus L. and its fibre may be seen 

 on application at the Botanical Laboratories, Pretoria. 



Rhodesian Cattle and Maize^ 



The success of the exhibits of cattle and maize from Rhodesia 

 at the last Fat Stock Show at Johannesburg is commented upon by 

 the Director of Agriculture for Southern Rhodesia in his Annual 

 Report for 1919, as being an event of far-reaching* consequence, demon- 

 strating the potentialities of both Matabeleland and Mashonaland. 

 The twenty cattle exhibited secured five first prizes, three seconds, and 

 one third, one award being- the championship for the best ox in the 

 show. This achievement, it is stated, created a deep impression on 

 the minds of many South African stockmen. Added to this success 

 was that of the maize exhibited on tlie same occasion, which, it is 

 considered, will benefit not only the farmers concerned, but their 

 districts and the country at larg-e. "Great fillip," says Dr. Nobbs, 

 " has thus been given to the production of maize of high quality, 

 which must react on the whole crop as better seed is sought out and 

 used and the average standard improved." 



