FIBER PLANTS 417 



section of the family are the elms, and in still another sec- 

 tion are the figs, mulberries, and nettles. 



Hemp is cultivated for its fiber in all the countries of 

 Europe, but its most extensive production is in central and 

 southern Russia, which supplies the largest part of the 

 world's hemp. In the United States it is cultivated to some 

 extent, especially in Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois ; but 

 its production in this country has been greatly reduced by 

 the introduction of Manila hemp. 



The fiber is used for coarser purposes than flax fiber, such 

 as for ordinary ropes, for calking of vessels, etc. The seed 

 is also produced in great abundance as " bird seed " for cage 

 birds. 



The name " hemp " has been applied to the fibers of other 

 plants which are used for the same purposes, the most con- 

 spicuous of which are " bowstring hemp," " Manila hemp," 

 " Sisal hemp," and " Sunn hemp." These will serve to 

 illustrate the variety of plants whose fiber can be used in 

 this way. 



Bowstring hemp received its name from its use in making 

 bowstrings. The plant belongs to the lily family and is 

 native in the tropical jungles of both eastern and western 

 hemispheres. 



Manila hemp is from a species of banana growing in the 

 Philippines, where it is extensively cultivated. It is a very 

 strong fiber and has come to be used in the United States for 

 binding twine and cordage. 



Sisal hemp is from an agave growing in Mexico, Yucatan, 

 and the West Indies, and has been introduced into the 

 Bahamas and Florida. It is second only to Manila hemp in 

 strength. 



Sunn hemp is from a member of the legume family growing 

 in India. It is not as strong a fiber as the other hemps 

 mentioned above, but it makes fairly good ropes, canvas, 

 etc. 



