MIXED FIBERS 



233 



temporary structures such as those of the Columbian and 

 Pan-American Expositions. The fine fiber is woven by the 

 natives into beautiful fabrics. 



Fig. 219. — Manila Hemp Plaut {Mu.su UxUll.s, Banana Familj', MusacecB). 

 Plant, flowers, and fruit. (Kew Bulletin.) — A tree-like perennial herb 

 from the undergiound stem of which arise huge leaves whose over- 

 lapping stalks make a trunk 6 m. or more in height, and support not 

 only the immense leaf-blades hut the heavy cluster of flowers and 

 fruit; leaves pale beneath; flowers inconspicuous, covered by reddish 

 bracts; fruit green, filled with numerous seeds. Native home, Philip- 

 pine Islands. 



The leaves of the pineapple (Fig. Ill) yield a similar fiber 

 of extraordinary strength and fineness. From the finest of 



