INDIAN JUTE 3 



In order that the fibre may be easily separated from the 

 stem, the stalks are bound in bundles and steeped in water 

 for about ten days, the fermentation thus set up softening 

 the tissue in which the fibres are imbedded until they come 

 away quite easily from the woody portion of the stem. The 

 stalks are examined periodically to test the progress of the 

 retting operation, and when it is found that the fibres peel off 

 easily the operation is complete, and the bundles are with- 

 drawn. Fibre retted in clear running water is strong, white, 

 and glossy, but the process is longer than if stagnant water 

 is used. The fibre is separated from the stalk by hand at 

 the same time as it is being lifted from the dam. The 

 natives, standing waist deep in the water, strip off the 

 bark, wash the fibre, wring it out, and hang it up to dry 

 on lines. The fibres in the raw state are of a light brown 

 colour, and are fairly fine and pliant, if somewhat harsh. 

 Before packing, the root end, which is generally hard and 

 woody, is usually cut off. About 14 cwt. of fibre may be 

 obtained per acre on the average, the cost of cultivation 

 being about 283. The usual length of the fibre is from 6 to 

 7 ft., but is occasionally met with up to 14 ft. in length. 



In the Calcutta market a series of commercial staples are 

 recognized and based on the districts whence they are drawn, 

 their values being a fairly constant relation to each other. 

 These classes in order of quality are : 



(1) Uttariya, or northern jute, coming from Rangpur, 

 Goalpara, Bogra, and the districts north of Sirajganj. These 

 jutes are unequalled for length, colour, and fineness. 



(2) Deswal, or Sirajganj jute, which is valued on account 

 of its softness, bright colour, fineness and strength, being 

 superior in the latter characteristic to Uttariya jute. 



(3) Desi jute, coming from Hooghly, Bardwan, Jessori, 

 and the twenty-four Parganas. 



(4) Deora jute, which is produced in Faridpur and Bukar- 

 ganj, and yields a coarse dark-coloured fibre, used principally 

 for rope-making. 



