3 I2 



The method proposed by the author consists in the deter- 

 mination of the principal characteristics of each sample of 

 fibre, the multiplication of each by an appropriate coefficient, 

 then to add the products and compare the totals thus obtained 

 for each sample with the sum of the characteristics of the 

 fibre taken as type after having- multiplied them in the same 

 way by the respective coefficients. 



The relative values of the fibres, of which it is desired to 

 determine the value, are thus obtained. By means of the 

 formula C = ( ^ Vr the respective prices are obtained : 



C represents the price which it is desired to calculate; Ct the 

 market price of the type fibre, and Vr the relative value of the 

 fibre. 



To facilitate the determination of the relative value and of 

 the price of various samples two tables may be drawn up. 



The author, after explaining his method, offers as an 

 example its application io the determination of the value of 

 sisal hemp. 



In view of the importance of the subject, the author adds 

 that "it is expedient that the Third International Congress of 

 Tropical Agriculture shall take the initiative in nominating 

 an international commission which shall be instructed to 

 establish a practical method for the determination of the 

 commercial value of the various fibres and to secure its 

 adoption in all countries." 



The CHAIRMAN : Gentlemen We are very much indebted to 

 Professor Geraldes for the very interesting paper which he has 

 read. It is not easy, at short notice, to discuss the proposal 

 which he has made for the testing of fibres, but we hope later 

 on to have an opportunity of reading it and studying it. On 

 your behalf I desire to thank him most cordially for his 

 contribution. 



The following papers were taken as read : 



THE FIBRE INDUSTRY OF MAURITIUS. 



By F. A. STOCKDALE, M.A., F.L.S., 

 Director of Agriculture, Mauritius. 



[ABSTRACT.] 



The fibre industry is, after sugar, the most important agri- 

 cultural industry of the Colony of Mauritius. The fibre is 

 obtained almost entirely from plants of Furcraea gigantea, 

 which grow wild in all districts of the Island. These plants 

 are locally called " Aloes," and two varieties occur, viz., 



