FIBRES 



During 1913 a total quantity of 9,019 tons was ex- 

 ported from Java and Madura. 



FROM THE OTHER ISLANDS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. 



Countries of destination 1910 



Netherlands ... . 360 



Netherlands f/t 84 



Penang ... . 64 



Singapore ... . 292 



Other countries . 9 



Total 809 



1911 



569 



1912 

 822 



43 

 90 



174 



i, 160 



Uses. Kapok can be used for many purposes, and, 

 when more generally known, it no doubt will have a good 

 future. 



As a stuffing material for cushions, mattresses, etc., 

 kapok seems to be gradually taking the place of the more 

 expensive horsehair. It is specially valuable for such 

 purposes, as it does not absorb dampness quickly, but 

 remains fresh, and does not form a compact substance 

 which causes discomfort in use. It is very elastic, and 

 maintains its elasticity for a long time, owing to which 

 comparatively small quantities are found sufficient for 

 stuffing cushions, mattresses, etc. 



Compared with quantities of other materials required 

 for stuffing mattresses, the following figures speak for 

 themselves. 



A single mattress of 3 by 6J ft. requires: 



Java kapok 

 Horsehair 

 Seaweed 

 Crin vegetal 

 Wood shavings 

 Alpine grass 

 Straw 



17-6 to 19-8 



26*4 28*6 



3.VO 



26-4 



33-0 



2 5 '4 



28-6 



28-6 

 38-0 

 28-6 

 82-0 



It might be mentioned that when horsehair, crin 

 vegetal, etc., is used, the stuffing is frequently enclosed 

 in a thin layer of kapok or wadding to give the mattress 

 the necessary softness. 



Properties. Kapok absorbs very little moisture, owing 

 to which fact a mattress stuffed with this material, when 

 it once becomes damp, is soon dried, while the covering 

 stands less chance of rotting away. Moreover, dry 



