SISAL HEMP 25 



leaf spike, which is simply a cluster of unopened leaves in 

 various stages of formation. A leaf weighs from i to 2 lb., 

 and measures 5 to 6 ft. in length. It is lance-shaped, \\ in. 

 wide near the centre, and \ in. thick. The fibre is the struc- 

 tural system of the leaf, and is surrounded by pulpy matter, 

 the whole being covered by a tough green skin. The quantity 

 of fibre in the leaf varies from 3* to 5 per cent. Sisal hemp 

 fibre is whiter and flatter than that of Manilla hemp, and is 

 lacking in pliability. There is now a handsome profit to be 

 made in its cultivation. 



FIG. 2. Irene No. 21 Machine. 



Yucatan produces the best sisal hemp. This hemp is, in 

 fact, the only product of the State ; every other agricultural 

 product is neglected, so that the State imports from other 

 parts of Mexico, or from the United States, all the corn, flour, 

 vegetables, &c., &c., for its subsistence. 



The shoots are planted in rows, about 4 ft. apart, and each 

 row is about 12 ft. from the other. Land is measured there 

 by squares of 24 Spanish varas, and in this square about 

 ninety-six shoots are planted. No fertilizer is ever used. 



