30 TEXTILE FIBRES. 



interlaced, and resemble a lens or gauze fabric of a yellowish-white 

 colour. It has been suggested that the bast could be used for paper- 

 making purposes. There is little strength in the fibres if pulled 

 asunder as a staple, but collectively, as it is detached from the tree 

 bark, it is tough, and its texture is strong. 



Fig. 18 is an example of portion of a twig showing the outer smooth, 



Fig. 18. Lace bark. 



glossy bark, and the lace-like interwoven fibres of the several layers of 

 bast tissue or natural lace. 



Fig. 19 is a photomicrograph of a layer of bast which has been 

 separated from the bulk. This shows its reticulate character with the 

 fibres finely interlaced, resembling the meshes of a fine net-like lace. 



Fig. 19 shows a layer of the same bast fibres when examined under 

 the microscope ; the finer fibres are disposed across the openings or 

 meshes, and the stouter ones form the general network. 



