RAMIE. 51 



a pliability in ramie fibre that is almost peculiar to it, and causes it to 

 be regarded as able to compete with those of flax or of silk. 



Fig. 34 represents slivers of ramie, and fig. 35, when seen highly 

 magnified. They are flattened and tapering, with transverse markings 

 and faint longitudinal striations ; the flattened character renders the 

 fibres more glossy. For these specimens of ramie fibres I am indebted 

 to The Ramie Fibre Syndicate Limited, Staines, Middlesex, London. 



Fig. 31. Filasse fibres. 



The Ramie Syndicate may be complimented on the energy they have 

 shown in starting so important an industry in this district, which I had 

 the pleasure of visiting in August 1 898. I regret to say that the ramie 

 industry has not found a firm footing in England yet. Many well- 

 known spinners and manufacturers near Manchester tried it when the 

 fibres were imperfectly cleaned, but the Long Eaton Manufacturing 

 Company, near Derby, and the Ramie Fibre Syndicate at (Wraysbury) 



