COMMERCIAL FIBERS OF THE PHILIPPINES. 



9 



many others. However, since the name "Manila hemp" is so well estab- 

 lished it would not be wise to attempt to change it. 



Although the various species of the genus Musa flourish in nearly all 

 tropical countries of the world, yet Musa textilis from which the Ma- 

 nila hemp is obtained seems to thrive to the best advantage only in the 

 Philippines. Attempts have been made to introduce it into other coun- 

 tries where other species closely related grow, but these attempts have not 

 been successful. The species was introduced into Calcutta in 1822 and 

 into Madras in 1859. While the plants of these introductions produced 

 fiber, yet it was of an inferior quality, and the cost of production ex- 

 ceeded the value. In 1873 the plant was introduced into the Andaman 

 Islands. These trials were more successful than those in India, the best 

 fiber being of about the same quality as the medium from the Philippines. 

 Attempts have also been made to introduce the plant into Flordia and 

 the West Indies, but with unsuccessful results. 



SOIL AND CULTIVATION. 



Musa textilis requires a uniformly moist and warm climate for its 

 best growth and development. While it may be found almost throughout 

 the entire Archipelago, yet it grows to the best advantage in the Provinces 

 of Albay, Camarines Norte and Sur, Sorsogon, and in the Islands of 

 Masbate, Mindoro, Marinduque, Samar, Leyte, Cebu, southern Negros, 

 and parts of Mindanao. In these regions there is an abundant rainfall 

 and a high relative humidity of the atmosphere. ' The following table 

 gives a general idea of the annual rainfall and average temperature of 

 these regions : 



The relative humidity of the atmosphere also has an important bearing 

 upon the growth and development of Musa textilis, but as a general 

 rule in the Philippines the relative humidity follows the rainfall in its 

 variations, and during the entire rainy season there are many days of 

 excessive humidity when there is no actual rainfall, and so far as the 

 effect on the growth of the plant is concerned, these would have almost 

 the same effect as seasons of rain. 



In selecting a site for a plantation four considerations are to be borne 

 in mind, the rainfall, the humidity of the atmosphere, the soil in particu- 

 lar reference to exposure and drainage, and protection from excessive sun 

 and wind. /'Sufficient has been shown in the table above to indicate the 



