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separate from the surrounding pulp. A strip of epidermis 

 is then partly torn off from the upper surface. With it 

 the petiole is tied in a slanting position to a cross piece of 

 some kind and in such a way that the beaten end is nearest 

 the stripper. A few fibers are then grasped in the hand 

 and drawn out with a steady pull, the operation requiring 

 skill and practice. 



If the whole petiole is pounded, it is much easier to pull 

 out the fibers, but they are likely to be discolored on drying. 



The extraction of the fiber is best done in the shade or 

 early in the morning or late afternoons, while the petiole is 

 still fresh. The buntal fibers obtained vary in grade. This, 

 as a rule, depends on the age of the fibers — the youngest 

 being the finest ; and the oldest, the coarsest. 



There are various methods applied by Filipinos in getting 

 the extracted buntal fibers ready for weaving. They may 

 be immersed for two or three days in jars filled with water 

 in which rice has been cooked and then placed for three or 

 four days in vinegar to toughen the fiber. Subsequently 

 they are washed in clear water and are then ready to be used. 



Sometimes the first part of the process just described is 

 omitted and the buntal fibers are put for about one or two 

 weeks in jars containing half vinegar and half water, after 

 which the fibers are taken out and plunged into boiling 

 water and allowed to stay in it for a few minutes until the 

 water boils again. They are then taken out and dried. 



There is still another process followed. The fiber is first 

 soaked in water and then boiled in water containing vinegar. 



If it is desired to flatten the fibers one of two processes 

 may be followed. The first is more laborious and takes a 

 longer time and is generally tried on the finer grade of 

 buntal. The second is easier and quicker and applied to 

 coarser fiber. The first consists in working the fiber 

 between a sharp-edged instrument of some kind and the 

 thumb; the second, in rolling the fiber under a heavy, 

 cylindrical log working in a groove. 



Like all fibers, buntal should be worked in a cool, moist 

 atmosphere, otherwise it becomes too brittle. The best 

 time is in the cool of the morning or evening on bright days 

 or at any time on cloudy and rainy days. 



