48 



TEXTILE FIBRES. 



the illustration (fig. 29) the lower leaves are normal in appearance but 

 the upper portion of the stem and leaves stand out in strong contrast 

 to them on account of their being variegated. Normally the leaves 

 are green on both sides. 



The two plants producing the China grass and the ramie or rhea 

 fibres are fairly well-marked and distinct species of the genus Boehmeria. 



Fig. 28. Leaf of ramie. 



Commercially the terms China grass and ramie ^are synonymous, but 

 the latter term will probably take the lead in the near future, and the 

 term "ramie" herein used will be applicable to both. 



There are many ramie manufacturing concerns in the counties of 

 Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire, which seem to be 

 quietly making headway. 



If the ramie industry is to become a success, and the material is to 

 compete with either silk or the finest flax fibres, the plants must be 



