PHOTOMICROGRAPHY AND TF.CHNICAI. MICROSCOPY l.W 



Fig. H. Manila hemp rope is used extensively in tcleplmne work and the 

 til>cr from old rope is used in paper for cable insulation which finds its way 

 into the plant. 



Microscopically the fiber is identified by certain characteristics, prominent 

 among which are the silicified tabular cells known as stcgmata. If the fiber is 

 burned and treated with dilute acid the stegmata remain behind, resembling 

 strings of beads. 



Manila hemp makes the best cordage but it is somewhat difficult to dis- 

 tinguish the fiber from that of sisal which produces inferior cordage. The 

 presence of the silicious skeletons of the stcgmata and the color of the ash 

 (grayish-black in the case of Manila hemp and white in the case of sisal) aid fn 

 the identification of the fiber. 



(a) Manila Hemp Fillers, magnification ,^0 X. 



f 



(b) Ash of ^(anila Hemp, magnification 450 X. 



