JUTE SUBSTITUTES 147 



to 20 per ton (with jute at from 16 to 25 per ton), 

 and would no doubt find a ready sale. 



A second sample of the fibre, described as " Okra " 

 fibre, was sent from Sierra Leone for further investiga- 

 tion in 1906. This sample was obtained from the 

 plants after the second series of fruits had been 

 gathered, in order to test the value of the fibre pre- 

 pared at this particular stage. The fibre was mostly 

 from 2 feet to 2 feet 8 inches long, but some short 

 strands about 18 inches in length were also present. 

 In general the product resembled the previous sample 

 of " Awkraw " fibre, but was softer, whiter, and more 

 lustrous, though only about two-thirds the length. 

 The strength was poor and uneven. Commercial 

 experts, to whom the sample was submitted, des- 

 cribed it as a brittle, jute-like fibre which, though 

 of good colour, was mostly tender and weak. Its 

 value was considered doubtful, but probably from 

 20 to 22 per ton. At the time of this valuation, 

 jute prices were much above the average, and, under 

 ordinary conditions, this sample would not have been 

 worth more than about 15 per ton. As a sample of 

 fibre prepared from the older plants was valued at 

 i 8 to 20 per ton when prices were normal, it appeared 

 that in spite of the better appearance of the sample 

 under consideration, its value would be less on account 

 of its inferior length and poor strength . 1 1 is , however, 

 unsafe to draw a general conclusion as to whether the 

 period at which the sample was collected is the best 

 until further experiments have been made. 



Another specimen of " Okra " fibre received from 

 Sierra Leone was well cleaned, soft, nearly white, 

 lustrous, of fairly good strength, and about 5 feet long. 

 The fibre compared favourably with the sample 

 examined in 1905. The proportion of cellulose was 

 lower, but the comparatively small losses sustained on 

 hydrolysis showed that the fibre was likely to resist 

 the action of water satisfactorily. This product was 

 well grown and beautifully prepared ; it was valued 

 at 20 per ton (with " medium " jute at 15-^17 per 

 ton), and was said to be readily saleable in large 

 quantities. This sample of fibre was prepared from 



