-. 56 — 



bres, Mr. P. D'Umeuville exibited samples of two varieties 

 of Sanseviera, commonly known as Bowstrinrj hemp. 

 Besides being one one the strongest fibres known, they 

 are used in industry as valuable silk substitutes. The 

 samples shown were commendable both for the length of 

 the fibre and their fine soft silvery appearance. 



The samples of Bohemeria Nivea exhibited attract- 

 ed also much, attention, specially from the Rhea Manu- 

 facture Company Limited, I entered into communica- 

 tion with the Company on the subject and obtained 

 from them some valuable information as to the best 

 method of cultivation and most profitable mamier of 

 preparing this product which, if shipped to this country 

 in accordance with the instructions the companay will 

 be happy to give, will be practically certain to find a 

 rsmunerative market after treatment by the patent 

 processes of Fremy and Urbain. The Company is also 

 prepared to enter into arrangements for the purchase of 

 Rhea Ribbons at a fixed price, delivered in London, or 

 to treat the same for account of the shippers and thus 

 start the new industry for which there is now an almost 

 certain outlet. The same Company inform me that if 

 its instructions be carried out, it would be prepared to 

 purchase the whole produce the Colony might offer at a 

 price which should yield a net profit of £ 10 per acre of 

 ground cultivated. 



A sample of Cotton from St. Juan de Nova was ex- 

 hibited by Mr. E. Vendries &Cy, This industry would 

 I believe be a suitable and paying one for our minor 



