BRUSH AND MAT MATERIALS. 159 



structure, fineness, and needle-pointed ends they are evidently prepared 

 from some plant allied to the genus Corchorus (Tiliacege). The*pulling 

 or physical strain of three of these fibres varied as follows in pounds : 

 125, -3, -15. 



Fig. 106. Palma fibres. 



Straw (Hats) (Triticum eestivtim, Graminese). The straw of wheat 

 stems is used for the purpose of plaiting into hats. The principal species 

 from which the straw is obtained is Triticum turgidum, a native of 

 Egypt. It is mainly used by the Italian plaiters in the districts of 

 Florence, Pisa, and Tuscany. 



In England the principal seats of this industry are Luton, Dunstable, 

 and Bedford. The straw of wheat grown on dry,'chalky lands is manu- 

 factured into hats. The principal part used is the middle internode, above 

 the last joint. This is cut into lengths of 8 or 10 inches, and split to form 

 the plait. The latter is often bleached and dyed of a red, purple, bronze, 

 or yellow colour before plaiting. 



