15 



this respect, as well as in height, it compares very favorably with Ma- 

 guindanao. 



Shape of stalks. — Less tapering than either Tangongon or Maguin- 

 danao, the ratio being about 2 to 1 or a little less. 



Tendency to produce suckers. — Libuton produces more stalks to the hill 

 than any of the varieties above described, with the exception of Bangu- 

 lanon, 20 to 25 stalks being a fair average. 



Quality of fiber. — Not quite so white nor easy to strip as that of Ma- 

 guindanao or Bangulanon. It is much whiter than the Tangongon and 

 also easier to strip. 



Quantity of fiber. — Slightly less than in Maguindanao. Every 100 

 kilos of stalk contain from 1.65 to 1.70 kilos of dry fiber. 



The Libuton is almost, though not quite, as hardy as Tangoiigon; but 

 it surpasses it, and all the rest of the varieties, in having a much 

 stronger hold on the soil. Libuton stalks unless overmature or subjected 

 to unusually strong winds are seldom blown down. The color of its 

 flower cone, as well as that of Punucan, is lighter and greener than in 

 other varieties. 



PUNTJCAN. 



This variety is exactly like Libuton in all characteristics, with the 

 exception of color and the number of stalks in the hill. In color, tendency 

 to produce suckers, and general outward appearance it greatly resembles 

 Tangongon ; while in quality and quantity of fiber it is exactly identical 

 with Libuton. It is often mistaken for Libuton or Tangongon. No 

 further description is necessary, as it will be merely a repetition of what 

 has been mentioned under the Tangongon and Libuton varieties. 



AEUPAN. 



(Arupan, throughout southern Cebu and parts of Davao; Tilitian and Ba- 

 iaounon, in Davao; 8ina-Moro, in Leyte; Samponanon, in northern Mindanao and 

 Camigin; Laob, in Oriental Negros; Samorong puti, in Albay and Camarines; 

 and Puteean Grande, in Iligan.) 



Color of stalk. — More greenish than Maguindanao and Puteean. It is 

 also noticeable that the green color in it is somewhat lighter than that 

 in the other two varieties. 



Size of stalk. — It does not grow to a considerable height, but in 

 thickness it compares well with either Maguindanao or Libuton. 



Shape of stalk. — The least tapering of all varieties, 1.75 to 1 being the 

 approximate ratio between the two circumferences. 



Tendency to produce suckers. — About equal to Maguindanao. 



Quality of fiber. — Owing perhaps to the presence of a stronger solution 

 of tannic acid in it, the fiber is generally dull in color. The quality can 

 be considerably improved if the strips are pulled under the knife as soon 

 as, or shortly after, they are separated. 



