146 



TEXTILE FIBRES. 



some even reaching a length of six. They gradually taper to a fine, but 

 rather obtuse, point. 



The basal portions of the fibres are flattened, but gradually become 

 cylindrical ; they are of great flexibility. They are sometimes imported 

 in large bundles under the name of Vonitra. Some fibre bundles of 

 Madagascar reach over 6 feet in length. 



Fig. 95. Bass, or Piassava Grass. 



Of this plant Dr. Morris says : " For many years a long, fine 

 fibre, of a rich brown colour, has been obtained from Madagascar, 

 closely resembling * Para piassava.' The name of the plant was recently 

 determined when it was described in the Kew Bulletin, 1894, p. 358. 

 It is Dictyosperma fibrosum, known locally as Vonitra. The fibre is 

 finer and more flexible than Brazilian piassava. The quantity received 

 has always been limited, and lately it has almost disappeared in the 

 market. 



