xii SISAL HEMP AND BLACK WATTLE 117 



as eminently satisfactory, more especially as some of 

 the samples suffered in preparation. With regard 

 to the yield per acre, it is early yet to speak with any 

 certainty. In the Transvaal the yield of bark is put 

 at from four to six tons. In Natal the average is 

 somewhat higher. Mr. W. B. Jackson considers 

 that a low estimate of our crop would be seven tons 

 to the acre. Let us hope that he is not unduly 

 sanguine. 



Before entering on a crop which requires so long a 

 period to bring to maturity, the settler will naturally want 

 to know what chance there is of over-production and. 

 consequent fluctuation of price. To this question it is 

 not possible to return so positive an answer as to the 

 previous two. An answer received early in 191 1 from 

 the Imperial Institute, in response to a query from our 

 Agricultural Department, was guarded in tone, and 

 showed a natural disinclination to indulge in prophecy. 

 Two reasons for this reluctance are given, the former 

 that chemical substitutes can be and are used if there is a 

 shortage of bark, the latter that Germany is our 

 principal customer, and that extensive plantations are 

 in process of formation in German East Africa, to 

 which preference will naturally be given. One signi- 

 ficant fact stands out, however, and that is, that the 

 increased production from Natal has had no effect 

 whatever on the price, which has remained for five 

 years at a very steady figure. A consideration of all 

 the circumstances tends to the opinion that the larger 

 the area under wattle, the more certain will be the 

 demand, though conceivably there will be considerable 

 fluctuations in the price. 



As regards the sale of timber, we look like being 

 at a distinct disadvantage compared with Natal, since 



