538 AGAVE, AMERICANA. 



is so much prolonged, as to be commonly reputed a hundred 

 years. The fibres which may be obtained from the long straight 

 veins of the leaves of the Agave, are very strong, and may be em- 

 ployed for various useful purposes. They are tougher, but less 



Fie. 192. AGAVE AMERICANA. 



elastic, than those of hemp ; and being very durable, they are 

 of great utility to the inhabitants of the countries where these 

 plants abound. When the hard point is forcibly separated from 

 the leaf, especially after this has been soaked in water, it draws 

 with it a bundle of these fibres ; and these may be employed as 

 coarse thread, whilst the point itself is used as a needle ; whence 

 this natural product has been called " Adam's needle and thread." 

 The fibres are employed in Mexico to make a strong twine, of 



