160 TEXTILE FIBRES. 



TTva Grass (Gynerium Saccharoides, Gramineae). A native of the 

 Brazils, known commercially as Uva grass. The leaves of the plant 

 have been used for straw hat-making purposes. 



Vegetal (Grin) (Ohammrops humilis, Palmaceae). These fibres are 

 also known as "Vegetable Hair." They are obtained from the plant 

 known as the Dwarf Fan Palm. This species is well known as <a 

 handsome one for decorative purposes. It is a native of Southern 

 Europe. The fibres are obtained from the leaves, and have been used 

 extensively as a substitute for horse-hair. In this state it can be 

 twisted and curled, owing to its flexibility. It also takes a good 

 dye. 



It is imported into this country in bales of over 200 cwts. each. 



On 17th April 1899 Messrs. Ide & Christie reported: "Black 

 Curled, steady, 10s. : Green, 6s.," etc. 



Whisk, Italian (Sorghum, sp., Graminea?). Fig. 107 shows 

 specimens of a species of Millet. This kind is imported as Italian 

 Whisk. 



The steins are round and cane-like, with a smooth surface ; they grow 

 to a height of from 4 to 6 feet. The branches or panicles upon which 

 the millet fruit is borne are zigzagged, round, wiry, and somewhat 

 ascending or erecto-patent, which renders them handy for the making of 

 the whisk brushes used by hairdressers, tailors, drapers, etc. The French 

 name for this whisk is " Faille de Sorgho." The seeds are yellow, and 

 are protected by the close-set panicles of wiry bristle awns. 



For specimens of almost all the bristle fibres used in brush-making, 

 and for permission to photograph them, I am deeply indebted to the firm 

 of Shaws, Limited, Hanover Street, Manchester, and Warre Street, 

 Ashton-under-Lyne. Mr. George Shaw, of the same firm, has given 

 me every facility for seeing the processes through which the fibres are 

 put before being sent out for use in the trade, and to him I owe my 

 thanks. 



The following is a draft of the prices reached in the Bass group and 

 year's fibre supply, as given by Messrs. Bastone & Firminger, of London, 

 in The Times of 5th January 1900. 



"FIBRES. Palmyra has been dull throughout the year, with very 

 little change in values. Stock is now lower by about 400 tons, and 

 stands at about 800 tons in London public warehouses. Recently, a 

 rather better feeling has been manifested. Bristle Fibre. During the 

 year consumption has afforded relief to the congestion of stocks, and the 

 market is now in a healthier condition than for several years past. 

 Recent realisations have shown a moderate improvement, and this should 

 continue in the New Year if supplies are not excessive. Kitool Fibre. 



