180 
o Agaves put out during their life a certain fixed number of 
leaves, ‘the normal quantity varying but little between Manta of the same 
species, or is there no regular limitation in this respect ? 
4 output of leaves on a plant is variable, would cutting thems 
as they enti be likely to increase it, and, judging from analogy 
otherwise, ought the cutting to be made several t a year ora re kiiy 
particular seasons ? Also, would cutting the ree have the effect of 
prolonging the life of the plant by retarding its polin 
It may seem strange to ask for such information A we have the 
e 
established there SEENEN does not seem to have been much obser- 
me bestowed upon its nature-or the circumstances of its growth. 
sily perceive the necessity we are under of obtaining a 
clear indetstanding on the points raised in this letter, as, for instance, 
en it wi 
how to prolong the life and increase the yield as much as possible. 
I need not say how thankfully any assistance you may kindly give in 
this direction will be received. 
Yours very obediently, 
The Director, (Signed) J. GURDON. 
‘ Royal Gardens, Kew. 
ROYAL GARDENS, KEW, to Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN, M.P. 
Royal Gardens, Kew. 
DEAR Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, August 18, 1893. 
WHEN your brother was last at Kew n left with me a memo- 
known as the “ Bahamas Pita” or Sisal, reach their maturity. 
He also ached whether anything could be done by processes of cultiva- 
the literature of the subject the references are very few and the language 
is vague and ee In the enclosed memorandum I have given 
a brief summary of what has been recently published it may be 
vossible to draw some Kenaa conclusions from the facts D stated 
3. The observations in —— to the Sacqui of Yucatan do not, it is 
ak Slants ‘cultivated She over a large area the ex oie in 
Yucatan may not be far from what will alienated obtain in the 
4, The e latest information from Yucatan is furnished by Mr. Pierce, 
the Vice-Consul at Merida. He States that “a Hemp plantation in 
on asta for some 15 yee This is TR conclusive as regards 
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