133 
“ feet long and 4~6 inches wide, generally smooth-edged, but here and 
bag there bearing a few unequal, sometimes very stout and sharp teeth ; 
“ feet high, panicle 8 feet long and half wi largest 
“ plants examined had 35 branches in the panicle, the largest (near the 
“ middle) 2 feet long, uppe ower ones sh are 
“ 
“equals 12-14 times the width), probably the form of the terminal 
spine, the character of the inflorescence, and, above all, the form and 
“ proportions of the flower and its parts, remain constant, and perhaps 
“also the proliferous character of the inflorescence of some species.” 
In a t on fibre plants prepared by the late Director of the 
Botanical Department, Jamaica, in 1884, it is mentioned that with 
regard to the value of Agave rigida and its allied forms as the sources 
of the Sisal Hemp of commerce, there were two important points deserving 
attention. The first was the universal increasing demand which exists in 
all countries for this fibre; and the second was the drought-enduring 
character of the plant and the simple and economical treatment which 
it requires at the hands of the cultivator. 
<4 
® 
Asan example of what the probable returns may be from a Sisal 
Hemp plantation, it is stated by Dr. Perrine that each plant at four or 
five years old yields on an average 25 leaves per annum, the aggregate 
weight of which is one “arroba” or 25 pounds. Out of this weight of 
green leaves there is obtained by hand scraping one pound of clean, 
marketable fibre, which at 38/. per ton is worth a little over fourpence 
per pound. 
according to the circumstances of the locality ; but where good faci- 
lities exist for the transit and preparation of the leaves, and especially 
with the aid of simple and effective machinery, the costshould not exceed 
one penny per pound. Hence the net returns may be set down at about — 
l. per acre per annum. ae 
