24 



Corchorus capsularis ; Yfota; Jute proper; Tiliaceae. 



Both the spc. capsularis and olitorius, furnish the well known Jute 

 fibre ; The former produces the most, the latter being chiefly culti- 

 vated as a pot-herb. The olitorius is but grown to a limited extent 

 as a textile plant and is comparatively smaller. 



II : By seed which is either broadcasted or better sown in drills, 

 close together, as it is desirable that the plants should grow erect, and 

 only produce a minimum of side branching which interrupts the length 

 of the stem fibres and reduces the value of the crop. 



III : From April the 15^ to the 15th of May. 



V : In October, about 5 months after sowing. If the harvest is 

 delayed strong lignification sets in and the fibres become dark and brit- 

 tle. By delaying harvesting the total crop is increased but the fibre 

 being brown and strongly lignified is of a less market value. It is 

 from late reaping, with plants in seed, that coarse jute is obtained, 

 the crop yielding the best fibre, though comparatively weaker, if cut 

 during the flowering period. 



VII : Grown for its fibre (obtained from stem) ; when young used 

 as a pot-herb. The fibre is largely used for carpets, curtains, 

 shirtings as well as for imitating silk fabrics and as a substitute for 

 hemp. Weak var. are suited for making paper. Best qualities are of a 

 pale clear yellow or buff colour, with a silky lustre, easily spun and 

 comparatively strong. 



VIII : Only experimentally grown in the country small extent - 

 It thrives well under our climate and is most productive upon well 

 cultivated, thoroughly manured and regularly watered, loamy soils. 

 The fibre is separated by the process of retting in pools of stagnant 

 water. The time required to complete the process varies, but usually 

 comes between 10 12 days Great care is required in retting as when 

 the fibre remains too long in water, it becomes rotten and almost use- 

 less Produce 3 3 \/2 tons of raw fibre per fdn. 



Corchorus olitorius; Molokhiya; Jews Mallow; Tiliaceae. 



II : By seed which is broadcasted in well prepared and heavily 

 manured beds. . 



Ill : At any time between end of January and beginning of October. 

 It does not grow during the winter months. 



