528 KEPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



as peeled from the tree, entering into its structure unbroken. The two 

 cables are about an inch in diameter." 



B. racemosa, known as the Maloo Climber, abounds in the valleys of 

 the Himalayas. The bark, reddish in color, is very tough, and is used 

 iu India for very coarse cordage and ropes, and from their gTcat strength 

 have been employed in the construction of bridges across the Jumna 

 River. The stems are usually cut in July or August, the outer bark 

 being stripped off and thrown away, while the inner layers are used for 

 rope as wanted, being previously soaked in water, and are twisted wet. 

 B. scandens, another Indian species, was tested, and found to be of about 

 the same tenacity as the best sunn {CrGtalaria juncea). A line made of 

 the fiber supported 168 pounds for forty-five minutes, having stretched 

 fcix inches in about three feet. 



7.— Onageace^. 



EpiloMum. — Willow Herb. — Samples of Epilobium fiber were received 

 li'om Utica, N.'Y., by the Flax and Hemp Commission, as specimens of 

 a fiber that might be used as a substitute for cotton for textile pur- 

 X)Oses. The species of Ex)ilobium are mostly perennial herbaceous plants, 

 from* 2 to 7 feet high, bearing pod-like vessels which are filled with 

 cottony seeds. The fiber is accompanied by home-made sami)les of 

 " thread," rope, and a piece of quilting to illustrate the value of the 

 fiber as a substitute for cotton batting. The fibers are not half the 

 length of upland cotton, or not more than three-eighths of an inch, and 

 consequently could not be spun; and even mixed with other fibers, 

 would fly off in the process of manufacture ; the fiber is soft, has a silky 

 luster, and is of a creamy white color. Examined microscopically, the 

 filaments consist, like most seed hairs, of single cells. Their walls are 

 very thin, make sharj) bends, and seem to be brittle, without the least 

 wind or twist, and, while resembling the down of Asclepias, are of less 

 length, with a rather strong longitudinal marking. The specimens are 

 only interesting in the light of experiment, and from the fact of their 

 having been presented by the Flax and Hemi) Commission, 



8,— Myhtace^. 



Eucalyptus ohliqua. — The Stringy Bark. — But one species of the Myrtle 

 family is represented in the collection. The specimen is a sample of 

 tow, pre]mred by Dr. Guilfoyle, and forwarded with the Victorian col- 

 lection (Exhibition, 1876). The fiber is reddish in color, of little strength, 

 and has been prei>ared experimentally. Is o data accomijauied the speci- 

 men regarding its value, either for fiber or for paper stock, though the 

 aborigines of Australia are known to manufacture both canvas and 

 cordage from the Eucalyptus, which would indicate not only strength 

 but considerable fineness. 



There are 100 to 150 species of trees belonging to the genus, for the 

 most part confined to Australian and Tasmanian forests. Many of the 

 trees are gigantic in size, and are exceedingly valuable for their timber. 

 U.(jlol)ulus, the Blue Gum, U. gigantea, the Stringy Bark, and E. amygda- 

 Una, the Peppermint tree, yields the best quality. Eucalyptus oil has 

 attracted some attention iu late years, particularly since the Exhibition, 

 11 nd E. globulus is well known through its having been recommended 

 for planting in malarial districts. Fiber of Eucalyptus fissilis was also 

 sent to the Philadelphia Exhibition, prepared by the director of the 

 Melbourne Botanic Gardens, Victoria. 



