26 FARMERS' BULLETIN. 



Of the species which grow in the Philippines four are worthy of men- 

 tion: Pandanus diibius Spreng, P. odoratissimm L., P. radicans Blanco, 

 and P. montanus Miq. These species vary but little, except perhaps P. 

 odoratissimus, which is more tree-like, being much branched. I have 

 seen this species growing in considerable abundance in the poor, dry soil 

 south of Bacolod, Negros. The leaves of all of them are from 4 to 5 feet 

 long and 1^ to 3 inches wide and spiny along the edges. They bear a 

 fruit which is somewhat similar in appearance and size to a pineapple. 



These plants are of economic value because of their thin fibrous leaves. 

 While they are not cultivated anywhere in the Islands, yet their leaves 

 are harvested in large quantities for the manufacture of bags and mats. 

 Much of the sugar which is produced in Panay and Negros is put up in 

 bags made from the leaves of these plants, mainly in the Provinces of 

 Capiz and Antique. Sleeping mats and mats for the floor and wall are 

 also made from these leaves, and these are of value because when folded 

 they do not break. 



In making thes-? articles the leaves are gathered when mature and 

 split into fillets of desired width. These are then woven into whatever 

 shape and pattern desired, and the ends are not tied but lapped. The 

 material dyes readily, and by the use of fillets of different colors orna- 

 mental as well as useful weavings may be made. One plant during the 

 year will produce enough leaves \ or about two sugar bags or a bed mat. 



In India the leaves have been used for paper stock, but no trials for 

 this purpose have thus far been made in the Philippines. 



The aerial roots of these plants contain a fiber, though it is seldom 

 extracted at the present time. The roots are frequently cut, however, 

 and after removing the pulp from the ends by pounding they are used 

 for paint and whitewash brushes. In some species this root fiber is fine, 

 and it is suggested that it might be useful in brush making. 



BURRI OR TALIPOT PALM. 



( Corypha umbracullifera. ) 



This plant, a member of the Palmacece, grows in greater or less abun- 

 dance in all parts of the Archipelago. It is said that the Island of Burias 

 takes its name because of the abundance of these plants growing there. 

 Although these palms are nowhere cultivated, yet they are of great utility 

 to the natives. They bear large fan-like leaves, with all the leaflets ra- 

 diating from the end of the long stem in themselves very ornamental. 

 These leaflets, sometimes 3 or 4 feet long, are used for practically 

 the same purpose as those of the Pangdan, only they produce a coarser 

 grade of matting, baskets or hats because the fillets are less pliable and 

 coarser. Hats of good quality are made from the leaves of the burri, and 

 the coarser mats and cushion covers are usually of this material. The 

 fillets may be stripped very finely and they dye readily. 



