158 CORDAGE FIBRES 



the soil, and is therefore only able to thrive in countries 

 which possess a somewhat heavy rainfall, more or less 

 evenly distributed throughout the year. A drought 

 of two or three weeks greatly hinders growth, whilst a 

 prolonged drought is usually fatal. The occurrence 

 of rain every two or three days is beneficial, but a 

 continuous wet season is unfavourable. The plant 

 demands a warm climate, and probably would not 

 grow in a satisfactory manner in regions with a 

 average temperature of less than 72 F. It grows 

 most rapidly and luxuriantly in the open plains, 

 provided that there is always a sufficiency of moisture, 

 but it can also be cultivated in districts which possess 

 a moderately dry season, if planted in sheltered 

 situations. High winds are exceedingly injurious, 

 and in windy places the plantation must therefore 

 be protected by a belt of large trees. The production 

 of Manila hemp is sometimes carried on in the Philip- 

 pines at altitudes of as much as 3,000 feet above the 

 sea, but the yields are not so high as those obtained 

 in lower situations, and, in general, the temperature 

 is too low for perfect development at elevations of 

 more than 1,000 to 1,600 feet. 



Soil. The Manila hemp plant requires a loose, moist 

 soil, rich in humus, and well drained ; it will not 

 thrive on swampy land. The presence of a moderate 

 amount of potassium is necessary, and potash manures 

 should therefore be added if the soil is deficient in this 

 constituent. Plant ashes are commonly employed 

 for this purpose. It is probable that the presence of 

 large quantities of lime is also desirable. The con- 

 figuration of the land is of some importance, level 

 lands being usually more favourable than the hillsides, 

 except in districts with a very heavy rainfall. 



Propagation. The plant is usually propagated by 

 means either of root-cuttings or, most commonly, of 

 the suckers which arise at the base of the parent plant, 

 but sometimes it is grown from seed. In the latter 

 case, the seeds must be collected from fruits which 

 have not become over-ripe. They should be 

 thoroughly washed and afterwards soaked for several 

 hours and planted, 6 to 8 inches apart, at a depth of 



