40 



color. Reports from Bataan, where the grass is much used 

 in the manufacture of brooms, state that tambo is easily 

 propagated from rootstocks. Where the soil is inclined 

 to be damp tambo is sometimes found among cogon, and 

 may eventually drive it out if favored by other conditions. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



The grass is widely distributed in the Philippines, being 

 found on damp ground along streams or other waterways. 

 In the vicinity of Manila, tambo is found in great abun- 

 dance along the banks of the Pasig River, especially near 

 its source. 



PREPARATION. 



Tambo is in flower from about August to November or 

 December. Its seeds are carried away by the wind and 

 the bare panicles are left. These are then ready to be used 

 after a thorough drying. 



USES. 



Brooms. — In Bataan the use of the panicles for brooms 

 is an important industry. For handles bamboo is generally 

 used as core or foundation and the flower stalks of tambo 

 serve as the outer covering. The stalks are held in place 

 by the use of rattan. The handles are usually decorated 

 with nito. 



The brooms are well adapted for sweeping the hardwood 

 floors found in many houses in the Philippines. They are 

 exported from Bataan Province in quantity and find a ready 

 sale in other provinces. It is a common sight to see these 

 brooms sold by intinerant venders on the streets of Manila. 



Miscellaneous. — In Bohol the flower stalks are used for 

 making hats, which are coarse but cool and satisfactory 

 for wear around the farm. In Iloilo they occasionally serve 

 the same purpose. The flower stalks can also be made into 

 screens. 



SUGAR CANE. 



{Saccharum officinarum.) 

 Sugar cane (E.). 



The flowering stalk of the sugar cane, called "bilajo" in 

 the Visayas, is sometimes used for picture frames. The 

 material requires no special preparation. The flower stalk 



