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CHAPTER III. 

 MANILLA HEMP. 



MANILLA hemp or feather fibre is derived from several 

 species of Musa, chiefly from Musa texilis. The cultivation of 

 the plant is an important industry in the Philippine Islands, 

 and especially in the provinces of Albay and Camarines, on 

 the island of Luzon. The islands of Leyte, Marinduque, 

 Cebu, Mindoro, and Samar also produce large crops. The 

 fibre is obtained from the long leaves which envelop the stem. 

 The plant grows to a height of from 12 to 20 ft. Almost any 

 land will do for Manilla hemp. It grows well in the moun- 

 tainous districts, and particularly in the volcanic regions in 

 the eastern part of the islands. It also thrives on rich, flat 

 land, and does not suffer from floods so long as the water 

 drains off quickly and does not leave the ground swampy. 



It is a perennial crop, and month after month young shoots 

 spring up from the original root. 



In starting a plantation, the timber and undergrowth are 

 cut down and allowed to lie until dried by the sun, when they 

 are burned, and the young suckers planted. Nothing more is 

 done in the way of cultivation, except to cut down weeds and 

 extraneous growths to permit of access to the plants, and to 

 replace those which may die from accident or old age. The 

 plants reach maturity in about three years, and should then 

 be cut down, as at that age they yield the best fibre. If they 

 are cut earlier the fibre is short and comparatively weak, and 

 if allowed to grow too old before cutting it becomes harsh and 



