MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS 517 



The following table shows the exportation of cotton 

 in pod according to the Customs classification. 



1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 



Kilos ... 25,569 ... 26,920 ... 40,321 ... 43,652 ... 35,013 ... 35,527 



We would add that the Customs statistics exception- 

 ally mention in 1911 the exportation of 21,152 kilograms 

 of cotton seed, certainly destined to assist the industrial 

 transformation. 



Fibres. 



The baobab tree exists in almost all districts of the 

 Territories and the natives extract the fibre, which is 

 used for making strong, durable cords and fishing nets. 



Sansevieria is also to be found in a natural state in the 

 islands and also on the mainland. The natives extract 

 the fibre by beating the leaves of the plant with a mallet, 

 and gradually separating the fleshy part by means of 

 scraping. They call it Namonge, and use it in the 

 manufacture of cords and nets. (Governor Vilhena: 

 Reports and Memoirs, page 398.) 



Sisal hemp was introduced by Governor Vilhena into 

 the Territories and distributed amongst various posts. 

 It has been shown to flourish exceedingly well. There 

 is a project to experiment with this culture on a large 

 scale. 



In view of the great demand for fibres for various 

 industrial purposes, it is apparent that in this respect 

 the Territories offer a large field for activity. 



According to the Customs statistics the exportation 

 of fibres described as " coconut fibres " was com- 

 menced in 1911, but native products, such as baskets and 

 mats manufactured with these fibres, are exported in 

 large quantities to other parts of the coast. The mats 

 classified as superior from Tungue are of interesting 

 designs, and are much appreciated. The fibres used 

 for these manufactures are extracted from a species of 

 palm tree of small proportions. (Governor Vilhena: 

 Reports and Memoirs, page 328.) 



Cereals and other foodstuffs. 



The three principal cereals consumed by the natives in 

 the Territories of the Companhia do Nyassa, and which 



