FIBRES 571 



The results of sisal cultivation in other German 

 Colonies have not been particularly important as yet. In 

 Togo sisal hemp is produced by the Kpeme plantation, 

 where, in 1913, 263 hectares were cultivated, of which 

 68 hectares were producing. This plantation exported 

 10,492 kilograms of fibre in 1911 and 17,571 kilograms in 

 1912. 



In New Guinea, experiments carried out with sisal 

 hemp have given the following results, as shown by the 

 export figures : 



Quantity. Value. 



Kilograms Marks 



1909 ... ... ... 3,242 ... 1,945 



1910 ... ... ... 13,782 ... 8,269 



1911 ... ... ... 7,686 ... 3,843 



1912 ... ... ... 21,342 ... 10,540 



In 1913 the surface cultivated was 78 hectares contain- 

 ing over a quarter of a million plants. 



In comparison with the export of German East Africa, 

 the quantities exported by Togo and New Guinea are 

 not particularly important as yet. But it should be con- 

 sidered that in these Colonies cultivation is only just 

 beginning. 



On the whole, we may say that we have been fortunate 

 with this branch of cultivation in our Colony of German 

 East Africa. But nothing definite can as yet be stated 

 with regard to the future of sisal. During the last few 

 years there has been a great demand for fibre material 

 owing to the enormous grain harvests in North America, 

 which required large quantities of binder twine; thus prices 

 were influenced favourably. But it is by no means certain 

 that such fortunate circumstances will recur in the future. 

 If fibre cultivation should increase in other Colonies over- 

 production might easily occur, and prices would then 

 rapidly fall. Under such conditions it is doubtful whether 

 sisal cultivation would continue to pay. 



Wherever new plantations are started they must always 

 be begun as experiments, for one can never tell before- 

 hand whether the conditions of soil and climate will prove 

 suitable for cultivation. In addition, it is necessary to 

 have an adequate supply of workers. A further factor 



