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The leaf from which the fibre is extracted has e piam at the point, and 
spineg yn its edges, and averages 34 feet in leng 
bre of the plant is white, but be iis kida to that of the 
Bahama Hemp, is rated in the market at “from 6l to 8l per ton 
lower 
The Ba hama Hemp.—The Bahama Hemp plant [Agave rigida, var. 
sisalana] differs from the Henequen inasmuch as the leaves are 
without spines on their edges; and the fibre is superior in texture. The 
plant matures from two to thr ree a yeas earlier than the Henequen, and 
as an average life of 12 y Like the Henequen, it propagates 
itself from suckers, but is dis ani of producing over 2,000 plants 
from the pole that grows from the centre of the pa nt. 
The Bahama Hemp is found both in Yucatan, where it is know 
as the Yaxqui, 'and in Cuba, but it is not oe cultivated, as it 
requires a more congenial climate than these countries afford. In this 
colony the plant luxuriates, the length of leaf being 4} feet to 5 feet, 
weighing 14 to 2 lbs. In Yucatan a leaf of the Yaxqui ‘from a plant of 
the same age would measure 3} feet, and weigh 11 ounces only. 
THE PLANT’S TENACITY OF LIFE. 
The Henequen and Bahama Hemp are the hardiest of all the 
Agaves. Their power to withstana drought is almost incredible. I 
have known plants of the Bahama Hemp to lie on the ground for 
three months, exposed to the rays of the sun, and when planted to grow 
with the greatest vigour 
It has never been known for these plants to be troubled i any 
disease. No ‘fon ngus or insect can apparent amage or affect them; 
and in 1883, when ths locust devastated the State of Yucatan, the 
cattle and birds died of starvation, and men were on the eve of 
despair, the only green living plants to be seen were wks different species 
te 
March last, when a few of our farms were affected; but after cutting off 
the ends of the injured leaves there was nothi a gels of the trouble, 
* At date of 20th June 1892, rated at 6l, lower, 
