2 , TEXTILE FIBRES. 



The British plumose seeds belong to several genera, and are usually 

 abundant enough to make their collection easy. A systematic trial 

 of their useful properties would probably give rise to several profit- 

 able and important commercial results. 



The plumose hairs of cotton seeds are the most important as yet 

 known to commerce. They are principally used for the spinning of 

 yarns from which cotton cloth is woven. 



Those of silk cotton are chiefly used for articles of upholstery, such as 

 cushions, pillows, saddles, and as a substitute for down in the eider- 

 down quilt and other manufactures. 



Fig. 1. Seeds of winged Bignonia (uat. size). 



Some silk cotton hairs and others obtained from the pod of the 

 Wool Tree have been recommended as suitable for mixing with 

 animal fur-fibres for felting purposes in the manufacture of fur and 

 silk hats. 



II. Stem and Leaf Fibres. Stem fibres are obtained from the cortex 

 or bast portions of the stems of dicotyledonous plants, such as Flax, 

 Hemp, Jute, and Ramie or China Grass. In monocotyledonous plants 

 the fibres are derived from the sheaths which enclose the vascular bundles 

 of the stems, as in Bhabur grass and Esparto grass. Leaf fibres are 

 chiefly obtained from the petiole or lamina of monocotyledonous plants, 



