BRUSH AND MAT MATERIALS. 149 



these stumps native fishing-lines are made. It is extracted by simply 

 soaking in water and scraping. The process is very simple, and fully 

 understood by the natives. It is the stronger portions of this fibre 

 which are exported as 'West African Bass.' There is no reason why, 

 with a population in the habit of preparing it and a source of supply 

 which may be regarded as practically unlimited, we should not be able 

 to compete on even terms with the sources of supply which at present 

 monopolise the market. 



" Since 1890 West African Bass has become a regular article of 

 commerce. The prices are usually below Para and Bahia fibres. At 

 the beginning of 1895 the arrivals were heavy; prices, 12 to 60 

 per ton." 



The Cape or African Piassava fibres are taking the place of Bahia 

 fibres. In some cases certain selections are made of African to mix 

 with Bahia. So recently as April 1899 West African Bass could 

 be bought for 14 per ton, and on the same date Bahia was selling 

 at 28 per ton. 



The fibres are very strong, and the breaking strain of four fibres 

 were as follows in pounds weight, viz., 20, 21, 33, 32. 



Bassine or Palmyra Fibre (Borassus flabellifer, Palmaceae). This 

 palm tree is a native of the East Indies, and grows to a height of 30 

 feet. It was introduced into England in the year 1771. The leaves 

 are about two feet long, and are divided into fan-like segments. A 

 fine specimen of this palm may be seen growing in the Victoria Regia 

 House at Kew. 



The fibres of Palmyra or Bassine are imported in bundles. The 

 individual fibres are flat, but become roundish near the apex. They 

 have a dull russet or straw colour. The leaves have been used for 

 umbrellas and hats. The fibres in texture are stiff, thin, wiry, and 

 make a grating sound when pressed together. They are slightly 

 flexuose, strong, and elastic. The hollow trunk of this palm has been 

 made into musical drums in some parts of India. One of these is 

 exhibited in the cases at the Economic Museum of the Royal Gardens, 

 Kew. 



The fibres produced from the Palmyra palm are keenly competitive 

 with those of "West African Bass." Messrs. Ide & Christie, on 

 15th April 1899, reported on Palmyra as follows: "No change to 

 record. Business passing is quite of a retail character ; dealers only 

 prepared to operate when they have orders in hand from their 

 manufacturing friends. Only a fair monthly delivery. Imports continue 

 plentiful and stock increasing." Quotations Good, 26 to 29. 

 Medium, 20 to 24. Common, 16 to 19. 



