42 TEXTILE FIBRES. 



are difficult to clean by machinery, but if it were possible to separate the 

 fibre by a chemical process, the plant would probably become of great 

 commercial value. Samples of this fibre have been valued in London at 

 from 20 to 35 per ton." 



The fibres are very soft, fine and sericeous. The plant is a 

 monocotyledon with parallel veined, equitant, spotted leaves. 



Nilgiri Nettle (Gerardina heterophylla, Urticacese). A good fibre 

 is obtained from the bark of this plant, but its spiny character interferes 

 with its employment. The fibres are strong, white, glossy, and silky in 

 their bast staple. 



If a variety of this plant could be raised without the stinging weapons 

 of defence that are so characteristic of some of the nettle group, there is 

 no doubt that it would enhance the interest taken in Nilgiri nettle fibres 

 for commercial purposes. The leaves are 3 to 7 lobed. 



Nodh or Myrtle (Myrica gale, Myricaceae). This name has been 

 given by the Highlanders of Scotland to the twigs of the Sweet Gale or 

 Dutch Myrtle, which are employed for stuffing beds or mattresses ; it is 

 the flexuose twigs and not the fibres which are used. The Sweet Gale 

 is a British plant found growing in bogs and mossy ground ; it has a 

 bushy habit and grows to the height of 4 feet. The serrate, lanceolate 

 leaves are used for scenting clothes and driving away fleas and moths. 

 They have also been used as a substitute for hops in the Highlands of 

 Scotland. A scum resembling bees'-wax, obtained from the catkins, 

 has been used for the tanning of calf skins. The Gale is related to the 

 Candleberry plant of North America. 



Oil Palm Fibre (Elxis guineensis, Palmacese). These fibres are 

 obtained from the fibro- vascular bundles of the young leaves and leaflets. 

 They are very fine, and are consequently used for making fishing lines 

 and for fine cords. 



Much of the palm oil of commerce is obtained from the mesocarp of 

 the fruit. 



The oil is butter-like and of a rich orange yellow colour. It is very 

 extensively used for the lubrication of the wheels of railway carriages. 

 The plant is a native of West Africa. Palm wine or toddy is obtained 

 from its spathes. 



Okro Fibre (Abelmoschus esculentus, Malvaceae). The fibres of this 

 plant have passed under many local names, such as Quimbombo, Gombo, 

 Gobbo, Bandikai. The fibres are long and silky, and have been used 

 for cordage, sacking, and paper-making. 



The plant is an annual, and is largely grown in the East and West 

 Indies. The fibres are obtained from the stems. The pods are horn-like, 

 and are used as a table vegetable, being gathered green and either made 



