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CHAPTER IX. 

 COIR. 



COIR is the fibre extracted from the husk of the cocoa-nut. 

 In the Philippines the fibre of the cocoa-nut is taken in its 

 natural condition, and split and combed until it is suitable for 

 twisting into yarn. 



The fibre is held in high esteem for certain purposes, such 

 as for tow-ropes, on account of its strength, lightness, and 

 elasticity. Increased elasticity, a factor of great importance 

 in tow-ropes, is given to those made from coir fibre by form- 

 ing and laying the strands with the twist in the same direction 

 as that of the single yarn, a practice quite at variance with the 

 usual usages of rope-making. 



Coir comes to us chiefly in the form of single or doubled 

 yarn produced by the natives by twisting between the palm of 

 the hand and the thigh. The fibre is difficult to spin mechanic- 

 ally, the best results being obtained with a hand-fed one-spindle 

 spinner. 



Hand-spun coir yarn is largely imported from India and 

 Ceylon. The price of Cochin yarn usually varies from 10 

 to ij per ton. Common and fair Ceylon weaving yarn sells 

 at from ij to 2,2. per ton, and Ceylon mattress at 8 per 

 ton. Coir resists the action of salt water. It soon rots, how- 

 ever, in fresh water. 



