CHAPTER XIX 



MANILA HEMP AND OTHER FIBRES FROM 

 SPECIES OF MUSA 



Manila Hemp. The cultivation of the species of Musa 

 (M. textilis) which yields Manila hemp is discussed under 

 Philippine Islands (Chapter XXV). Wherever the conditions 

 are somewhat similar to those in the Philippines, this is 

 probably the best species to grow for the production of 

 fibre ; but it is possible that a species may be found in 

 Africa which will suit local conditions there better. 



In Java in 1911 the total area * devoted to Manila hemp 

 and other Musa fibres was 4694 acres. Experimental 

 trials in Java with Manila hemp have given good results, 

 although the fibre is not of so fine a quality as that of the 

 higher grades produced in the Philippines. The cultiva- 

 tion is not remunerative on land where the raw material 

 cannot be transported cheaply, or in plantations where the 

 production falls below 850 Ibs. per acre. The plant requires 

 in Java a loose soil, rich in humus, and situated not more 

 than 1650 feet above the sea. Under favourable conditions 

 the production may amount to as much as 1J tons of dry 

 fibre per acre. The cultivation of other crops on the same 

 estate is advisable, but Manila hemp should not be grown 

 in admixture with other plants. If possible, it should be 

 grown on land which is adapted for a central factory. 

 A system of local factories distributed over a large estate 

 can only be recommended in cases in which the configura- 

 tion of the land does not admit of cheap transport of the 

 raw material. If Manila hemp is to be the principal crop 



* Bull. Imp. Inst., x. 301 (1912). 

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