17 



Jamaica. The juice from the leaves has been used as soap and CASE 

 for cleaning metal. 11. 



No. 28. Sisal Hemp, from A. riyidaf Mill.var. sisalana, 

 Perrine. It is known in America as Henequen, and is an im- 

 portant article of commerce in Mexico, being sent in quantities 

 both to America and England, where it is found in competition 

 with Manila hemp, and is said to be even used as an adulterant. 

 A new industry in Sisal Hemp is being established in the 

 Bahamas. (See Keiv Bulletin, 1887, p. 3; 1889, pp. 57, and 

 254; 1890, p. 158; 1891, p. 175; 1892, pp. 21, 141, 

 and 272. 



No. 29. Fibre, rope, cordage, nets, table mats, and orna- 

 mental articles of American Aloe {A.americana, L.). A 

 large plant with long, thick, fleshy leaves, which contain a 

 large quantity of strong, harsh fibre, used for coarse cordage, 

 brushes, &c. The fibre is also a good paper material, samples 

 of which are shown. In Mexico the plant is highly valued for 

 the sap, which upon cutting out the flower spike just as it is 

 ready to burst forth, together with some of the inner leaves, 

 flows freely into the cavity thus formed. This is fermented, 

 and forms an intoxicating drink called Pulque, consumed in 

 large quantities by the people. 



From the flower spike excellent razor strops are made. 

 Note pincushions made in Cannes from cross sections of the 

 soft flower spike. 



Observe fibre, rope, and cordage of Istle or Mexican fibre 

 {A. heteracantha, Zucc). Imported in large quantities for 

 making cheap nail and scrubbing brushes. A Mexican hair 

 brush made of the fibre is exhibited. (See Keiu Bulletin^ 

 1887, p. 5, and 1890, p. 220.) 



No. 30. Fibre of ALoiis Vert, or Mauritius Hemp CASE 

 {Furcrma gigantea, Vent.), a plant widely spread throughout 12. 

 Tropical America, and growing also in India, Ceylon, Mauritius, 

 and St. Helena. It is used for making cordage, and is 

 imported into this country chiefly from Mauritius. 



The fibre of an allied species {Furor cea ciibensis. Haw.), 

 from Jamaica, is also shown. (See Kew Bulletin^ 1887, p. 8.) 



In the upper part of the Case observe an oil painting of 

 fiowers of Doryanthes excelsa, Corr., painted in New South 

 Wales by Lewin, the celebrated painter of birds ; it formerly 

 belonged to Allan Cunningham. Observe also fruits and fibre 



a 59453. B 



