152 JUTE AND SIMILAR FIBRES 



is nearly as rich in cellulose as " extra fine " Indian 

 jute (compare page 138). It suffers a comparatively 

 small loss on hydrolysis, and should consequently 

 prove very resistant to the prolonged action of water. 

 The product was described by experts as a jute-like 

 fibre of mixed colour, and of value about 20 per ton 

 (June, 1906). 



A sample of " Napunti " fibre collected from young 

 plants of the first year's growth, before they had 

 flowered, consisted of soft, fine, greyish fibre of rather 

 poor lustre ; it had been well cleaned, but probably 

 over-retted as its strength was very poor. It was 

 from 3 feet to 3 feet 6 inches in length, and was re- 

 garded as worth about 20 per ton (with " medium " 

 jute at 22-^25 per ton and " common " jute at 

 18 i os. 20 per ton). 



Two other samples, collected from old plants after 

 flowering, were of little value, as they consisted of 

 ribbons and tended to split up into short pieces on 

 combing. 



In connection with another sample of " Napunti " 

 fibre, it was stated that the material represented the 

 only form in which the natives could prepare this 

 fibre, and it was consequently desired to ascertain 

 whether it would have any commercial value. The 

 sample consisted of a large bale of coarse, brown, 

 fibrous bast ribbons, which were woody and gummy. 

 The length of the ribbons was from 3 to 4 feet. The 

 fibre in this form appeared to be only suitable for 

 paper-making, but owing to its bulky nature, it seemed 

 doubtful whether the exportation of such material 

 would be remunerative in view of the cost of transport. 

 A sample of the ribbons was submitted to a paper 

 expert for an opinion regarding the suitability of the 

 material for paper-making. He reported that it 

 could be used for the manufacture of paper, but that 

 he could not recommend bringing the raw material 

 to England. It would be better, he thought, to 

 consider the advisability of treating the material 

 before shipment and reducing it to a condition of un- 

 bleached " half-stuff," leaving the paper-maker to 

 bleach it as required. In the expert's opinion the 



