Ill 



PREPARATION. 



The leaves are put in water for about a week. The fibers 

 can then be obtained by pounding the leaves and removing 

 the pulp. Rinsing and drying the fibers complete their 

 preparation. At other times, the fibers are obtained like 

 those from pineapple leaves. 



USES. 



The commercial importance of the fibers is not great, 

 for they are utilized only occasionally. The fibers are not 

 easily obtained and their shortness counts against them. 

 The fineness of the fiber, however, and their good tensile 

 strength are points in their favor. They are sometimes 

 mixed with piiia fibers in weaving fabrics. 



