MISCELLANEOUS ECOXOMIC PRODUCTS 



543 



takes place three months later, when the plants commence to 

 flower. The Jute plants are indigenous to Ceylon, occurring at low 

 elevations but are not cultivated here. Jute fibre is usually quoted 

 in London at about 25 per ton. 



Manila Hemp; Abaca Fibre. (Mnsa text His, Scitamineae). 

 A large herbaceous plant or small tree of the Banana family, 

 indigenous to the Philippines, where it is extensively cultivated 

 for its excellent and well-known nbre. The plant requires a hot 

 and humid climate, with a heavy and evenlv distributed 



MAURITIUS HEMP. Ftircraca gigtintcn. 



rainfall, and its habit of growth and treatment under cultivation are 

 similar to those of the Plantain or Banana. Hemp plantations in 

 the Philippines are confined chiefly to areas of volcanic soil 

 and possessing the climatic conditions mentioned, as in the 

 eastern side of the Islands. Propagation is entirely by suckers 

 (fertile seeds being rarely produced), which are planted out 

 when about 3 feet high, at distances of 8 feet apart each way. 

 These produce numerous stems (suckers), forming a clump. The 

 first crop is obtained two years from planting, and a full crop in 

 the fourth year, the plantation continuing to yield for fifteen or 



