xx THORNS 253 



of macerated hemp are sometimes found in their 

 stomachs. 



Another useful, though spiny, member of the Aua\ c 

 family imported into East Africa is the Sisal plant, 

 A(j(irc ri<ji<l, a native of Mexico: it is cultivated for 



The Bow-string Hoinp. 

 The tips of the leaves are so sharp that they penetrate leather. 



fibre. These plants have longljroad leaves, furnished in 

 some species with a strong terminal spine : in others, the 

 edges of the leaves are furnished with teeth. 



The Agaves are interesting because they can be propa- 

 gated by suckers from the base of the stem, by bulbils 



