i34 
The export of Sisal Hemp exceeds that of any other article of Mexican 
growth. The export value of fibres from Yucatan in 1883 reached the 
58 
Dr. Schott, in the | Report of the Department of Agriculture, United 
States of Frisia, for 1869, remarks that “while other products of 
“ which easily survives the effects inher o the nature of a riverless 
“rocky desert, and the severe trials of a six inca? tropical sun. For 
Fà knowledge of the Sisal Hemp plant,” continues Dr. Schott, “ its 
“ culture and uses, Yucatan is indebted to the Maya Indians, the direct 
“ descendants of those remnants of the Toltecs who, after the fall of 
“ their empire in the valley of Mexico, emigrated to Central America 
“and Yucat 
An gaii of the Sisal Hemp industry in Yucatan has lately been 
published by the Government of Jamaica. This was furnished by 
Mr. Stoddart, who for a time was practically engaged in the industry. 
ing to this writer the plant known locally as Sacqui (probably according 
to Engelmann, the variety longifolia) is most generally cultivated. This 
ne said to Age eld the largest spe of oo which is shee by 
land 
the ‘ition, ne quantity of fibre yielded would be comparatively sma small. 
For convenience of carriage and general management level land is 
preferred. 
Plantations are established by simply pears the land of ae and 
crub. Stumps are uprooted to give an even surface. Sree sa dis- 
Givan ntage. Plants are generally put out during the rainy engot at 
12 feet by 6 feet (equal to 605 to the acr a)i in A niapi to their 
size. All fibrous roots and lower leaves are removed before planting, 
to facilitate ner growth. It is estimated to uit “four shillings and six- 
% per acre to line, dig holes, drop suckers, and plant.” A well 
established plantation has an extensive system of roads all converging oD 
e works, which latter are placed in as central a position as possible. 
After planting, the chief cultural operations are con nfined to keeping 
the fields clear of weeds, a nd remov ing suckers which grow ar around the 
parent plants. These latter are utilised to extend cultivation by being 
planted in nurseries, or are thrown aw wage Their removal is considered 
necessary to the success of the plantation. 
A fibre plantation started with plante about 14 feet high, begins to 
yield in about three years after planting. ioe appearance of the 
le,” or Agre spike, is watched, and when 3 or 4 feet high it is 
cut out. Otherwise the usefulness of the amet for fibre purposes would 
immediately cease, 
SER Bee 
ES Se Bape gues Sila See eee Ene a A 
