BRUSH AND MAT MATERIALS. 155 



growing in the East Indies to a height of 40 feet. The broad-leaved 

 fronds are bipinnate, the leaflets wedge-shaped, and the stem is ringed or 

 annulated. This plant was introduced into the palm houses of Great 

 Britain in 1788. 



From the sheathing appendages of the leaves of this palm tree, certain 

 fibres are obtained that serve almost as bristles. In a natural state the 

 fibres of Kitool are strong, flaccid, and wiry, round or flat, with tapering, 

 obtuse ends of a dull black or slate colour. 



From these fibres a rope of great strength has been made. The wiry 

 nature of the fibres obtained from the leaves has been utilised .in making 

 ropes with which to tie up wild elephants. 



Fig. 102. Istle fibre plant. 



The fibres are much in request for brush-making, and some of the 

 finest have been used as a substitute for bristles. 



Kitool bristle fibres are imported under three principal qualities, 

 known respectively as Nos. 0, 1, 2, and 3. The value of these kinds were 

 quoted by Messrs. Ide & Christie, on 20th April 1901, as: "Values 

 Long, 8Jd. to 9d. ; No. 1, 6|d. to 7d. ; No. 2, 2f d. to 3d. ; and No. 3 

 at Id. per Ib." 



Tests made of the pulling strain of Kitool fibres gave the following 

 results : 4, 3, 5, 5, 4 Ibs. 



Mexican Fibre or Istle (Agave heteracantha, Amaryllidacese). 

 This is an Aloe that grows in the mountainous districts of Mexico. The 

 basal leaves of the plant are numerous, broad at base, channelled, serrate 

 with horny spines in the margins, and taper to an acuminate horny point. 



