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TEXTILE FIBRES. 



Fig. 102 is a photograph of an Istle fibre plant. The fibres are known 

 as Mexican, and are leaf-structures running parallel in the leaf-tissues. 



There are several varieties of Mexican fibre, the names for which are 

 mostly commemorative of the districts where the plants have been grown, 

 such as Jaumane, Tula, and Matamoras. The Mexican fibre industry is 

 mainly carried on at San Luis Potosi. 



Fig. 103 is a group of fibres (natural size) from the Istle plant. Their 

 length varies from 12 to 30 inches. In form they are angular or round, 

 somewhat resembling Sisal hemp fibres, but differing in the colour, 



Fig. 103. Istle fibres. 



which is of a light canary yellow. Their bases are thickened, and in 

 texture they are more wiry. The fibre is in good demand, and is 

 much used in the making of cheap nail-brushes. It is also employed, 

 mixed with hogs' bristles, in the manufacture of some of the cheaper 

 kinds of brushes. On 15th April 1899, Messrs. Ide & Christie reported 

 as follows -.Firm. Extra long, 26s. Fair, 22s. Common, 20s. Similar 

 prices ruled in December 1901. 



In making some fancy brushes, where strength in the fibres is not 

 an important factor, the fibres of Istle are very serviceable. 



The flexibility, glossiness, and fineness are characters that are of value 

 in these fibres. A test made as to strength gave the following results, 

 viz., -5, '4, *5 Ib. respectively. 



