34 SIERRA LEONE 



as well as many exotic varieties of the plant being put 

 in. The site, however, proved unsuitable, labour was 

 found to be expensive, and the climatic conditions were 

 complained of. In consequence of these adverse con- 

 ditions, the Association were reluctantly obliged to 

 abandon the work. The export of cotton was never 

 significant and ceased altogether in 1909. 



Indigenous Varieties. Three well-marked types of cotton 

 are found throughout the country, and are known l?y the 

 native (Mendi) names of (1) Kwonde, (2) Fande Wa, 

 (3) Dhoole. The first of these has a white lint and a seed 

 covered with white wool. An examination of this at the 

 Imperial Institute showed that the lint from it was the 

 most valuable of the three ; the staple measured about 

 1", and was compared with very good quality " Indian 

 Broach." Two samples, valued in 1907, were priced at 

 5f<#. and 5d. respectively, with good Broach at 5|^., 

 and Middling American at 6" 1 Sd. The Fande Wa variety 

 has a creamy lint and a green woolly seed. It was said 

 to be of good quality, but the colour was not so good as 

 the last, and the value was consequently lower. Dhoole 

 is rather rarer than the other two, and has a brick-red or 

 brown lint and a bare seed. Khaki or red cottons are not 

 in demand upon an European market, but locally they 

 are somewhat sought after. 



Native Weaving. A native cloth woven from the three 

 different varieties of indigenous cottons is frequently seen ; 

 the careful arrangement of the naturally coloured yarns 

 yielding a distinct pattern. More often, perhaps, only 

 the first two kinds are used, and the yarn made from 

 them is dyed with the local indigo. In width the native 

 cloths are usually narrow, and the strips are sewn together 

 in order to form gowns, etc. A photograph is given 

 showing a native weaver at work at Pendembu (Fig. 13). 

 In a few localities wider cloths are woven, but of no great 

 length. These are often elaborately designed, and com- 

 mand a high price among the natives, being preferred 

 to imported materials. 



Exotic Cottons. " Cambodia " and "Sea Island" 

 have been tried experimentally. The latter, though with- 

 standing the heavy rainfall well, was found to be very 

 susceptible to attacks of the local cotton stabler. There 

 is still no prospect of the revival of cotton exportation. 



