54^ FIBRES 



Colony. These are practically all self-sown, but it is 

 estimated that some 1,500 arpents have been planted with 

 the Creole variety. 



Plantations. 



Plantations of aloes date back about ten years. Small 

 trials were at first made with Creole aloes, and as these 

 gave fairly satisfactory results further plantations were 

 undertaken. During- 1905-10 plantings of sisal hemp 

 (Agave rigida var. sisalana) were made for comparison 

 with plantations of Creole aloes. 



It is estimated that at the present time there are 60 

 to 75 arpents planted with sisal in the Colony, These 

 plantations of sisal have grown satisfactorily, but in 

 many cases growth has been irregular. They also require 

 greater attention in the early stages than do plantations 

 of Creole aloes. Sisal fibre prepared in the Colony has 

 been found to be of good quality, and the small quantities 

 placed on the European markets have commanded satis- 

 factory prices. 



On some estates areas of Creole aloes are planted 

 yearly, so that young plantations are coming into bearing 

 regularly. This policy has been found to be a wise one, 

 and better results are being obtained than when wild 

 growth is solely depended upon for supplies. Opinions 

 differ as to whether plantings should be made with or 

 without shade. Plantings made under the shade of filao 

 trees (Casuarina equiseti folia) have been very satis- 

 factory, while many plantations are allowed to become 

 sooner or later overgrown with wild acacia (Leucsena 

 glauca). Leaves grown under shade are not of such a 

 thick and tough texture as leaves grown in full sunlight, 

 and it is thought that they can be more easily dealt with 

 in the factories. Casuarina is also of value as fuel, and 

 acacia seeds are collected annually for cattle food. 



For planting, bulbils which have fallen and rooted 

 satisfactorily, or fair-sized suckers removed from their 

 " mother " plants, are employed. Plants which have 

 leaves 12 to 18 in. in length (i.e., are about eighteen 

 months old) are generally preferred, as they appear to 

 stand transplanting well, and come to maturity quicker 



