154 TEXTILE FIBRES. 



portions. This fusing of the fibres with the lateral divisions has a good 

 effect on the crossing of the large tufts of fibres when made into brushes 

 used for staircases, lobbies, and similar places. 



Fig. 101 shows a bundle of dressed fibres of Gaboon. These are used 

 for very rough brushes where a stiffness is required in the bristle. 

 "When these have been drawn the thinnest are suitable for mixing with 



Fig. 101. Gaboon Piassava. 



other brush fibres. Gaboon fibres are regarded in the trade as a stiff 

 variety of the African Bass or " Piassava." 



The fibres are flattened at the base, but in the body part become 

 rounded, with a flattening at the apex. The basal portion has a whale- 

 bone-like appearance, but is straw coloured at the apex. The fibres are 

 very strong, their breaking strain in pounds being as follows : 27, 30, 

 43, 30, 35. 



Kitool Fibre (Caryota urens, Palmaceae). Kitool is a Palm tree found 



