80 



Buri petiole. — The outer surface of the buri petiole yields 

 rather unsatisfactory splints. 



Calasiao strips. — Calasiao strips are obtained from the 

 midribs of the unopened buri leaf shoots. In maturity 

 these midribs are spread out radially and serve to hold up 

 the leaf surface to the sunlight. The midribs used for 

 strips must be carefully selected or they will not all be 

 uniform in color — some will be darker than others — due 

 to the fact that, since they are crowded together in the 

 shoot, some midribs are exposed to the light while others are 

 not. Only the unexposed midribs should be used if a good 

 white fiber is desired. 



As previously explained under buri raffia, the blade in the 

 shoot is folded. Each fold is a segment. The segments in 

 the unopened and opened blade are partly united. 



These segments are separated but not cut from the petiole, 

 and the folds are spread out for drying during several 

 mornings and afternoons or for a day or two in some shady 

 place. Quick drying in the direct rays of the sun makes 

 the midribs very brittle. When there is but little moisture 

 left in the midribs they are ready to be worked. 



The work is done at night or in some cool, moist, shady 

 place. The leafy parts of the segments are removed from 

 the midrib with a knife or sharp instrument of some kind. 

 The midribs are then split lengthwise into two or sometimes 

 more parts and allowed to dry for another day. They are 

 then made finer by drawing them between a knife and any 

 solid object having a small groove. The result is the 

 Calasiao strip. 



Coarse buri midrib splints. — The midribs of the unopened 

 buri leaf after drying and trimming form good spokes and 

 excellent weavers. 



USES. 



Buri strips. — Buri is the easiest of all materials to weave 

 and can therefore be used to advantage in simple exercises 

 by primary pupils. 



Hats. — Buri hats, either in a single or double weave, are 

 exported from the Philippines in large quantities and the 

 trade in them seems to be steadily increasing. The public 



