FIBRES 5O5 



by-product for the manufacture of paper or celluloid. 

 An enterprising pioneer erected a laboratory at Mason- 

 galeni to investigate the properties of this waste with a 

 view to its utilization, but the problem remains un- 

 solved, and is a fruitful field of research. 



It was thought that land from which the sansevieria 

 had been cut should be suitable for sisal. It seems, 

 however, that the two plants grow under different con- 

 ditions. Sansevieria does not thrive in the open. It 

 prefers low scrub, under which it is sheltered from the 

 sun. Sisal, on the contrary, must have sun, and will not 

 grow well where there is shade. It does not appear to 

 thrive on the poor land from v/hich sansevieria has been 

 cleared. The future of sansevieria may, therefore, be 

 considered rather doubtful, and planters are justified in 

 turning their attention to sisal for cultivation on the rich, 

 volcanic soil of the uplands, where there are vast tracts 

 awaiting cultivation. 



It is an axiom that sisal flourishes best where the 

 original bush has been thickest and has cost the most to 

 clear. Sansevieria can do with little rain, as it stores 

 much moisture in its thick, succulent leaf and has few 

 pores (stomata) through which moisture escapes; but sisal 

 almost ceases growing, and loses its glaucous appearance 

 (the sign of health), after a few months' drought. 



Sansevieria can be sold when Manila and sisal are 

 scarce and dear, but brittleness discounts its value for 

 manufacture into ropes and binder twine, and it is 

 neglected and unremunerative when the standard fibres 

 are plentiful and cheap. It costs more to produce sanse- 

 vieria than sisal, while its selling price is 20 per cent. less. 



I have observed that when subjected to the action of 

 air and moisture (a natural dew retting) sansevieria 

 becomes fine, white, glossy and more spinnable, and I 

 consider it possible that some process may in future be 

 evolved which will greatly enhance the value of the fibre 

 and increase its uses. 



And now as to sisal. 



The following list of agave fibres of commerce is given 

 by Mr. Lyster H. Dewey, Botanist in Charge of Fibre 

 Investigations, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.: 



