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2. I would venture to suggest that the barrier to the 

 utilization of Uk is to be overcome by substituting 

 machine power for the manual ex traction of the fibre, which 

 would reduce the cost of fabrication to a reasonable figure 

 say 7 per ton. I would respectfully recommend to 

 your consideration the introduction of such a machine 

 into Sind. In the event, however, of this proposal not 

 meeting with your approval, perhaps you will not object 

 to send me (to the care of Messrs. Grindlay and Co., 

 55, Parliament Street,) one cwt. of the dried stems of the 

 Uk, when I will see whether the fibre cannot be extracted 

 in England at a remunerative figure. Care must be taken 

 to thoroughly dry the stems to guard against fermentation 

 en route; and further, I respectfully solicit the exact 

 cost of such consignment in detail may be supplied 

 me. 



3. The value of the fibre for textile fabrics, paper, and 

 rope, is universally acknowledged by manufacturers of the 

 respective trades; while the enormous demand for new 

 material for these industries is sufficient inducement, I 

 hope, to stimulate our efforts to introduce them into 

 European markets. As the originator of this project, I am 

 most anxious that it should not fall through, and you may 

 rest assured I will devote my best and careful attention 

 to carry the business out to a successful end. 



4. Now, in reference to this Sur fibre: According to 

 the data supply by Col. Sir William Merewether, it appears 

 that the bond fide fibre can be purchased at Sukkur at 

 3 10s. per ton ; to this, if 1 10s. be added for contingent 

 expenses, including freight, 5 per ton would represent 

 the cost at which this fibre might be landed in England. 



5. This grass, as you are doubtless aware, abounds in 

 Sind, and as it is irrepressible (reproducing itself within 

 twelve months after the first cutting) an unlimited and 

 constant supply can be guaranteed; while the substitution 



