: 196 
ROYAL GARDENS, KEW, to INDIA OFFICE. 
Royal Gardens, Kew 
SIR, February 91, _ 
I AM desired by =é aeai oo to inform you that spec 
men of white fibre, know “ Bombay Aloe fibre,” cae 
been lately presented to the Kav ae sea “ot fammi Botan 
2. From the character of the fibre it would appear that this is obtained 
from Agave americana or an allied oS and rudely prepared by 
hand. The price of this fibre is from 15s. to 18s. per cwt., ae Sisal 
hemp obtained from Agave rigida is nila at 52s. to 54s. p 
It is very desirable to trace the source of this Rent tne fibre. 
For this patios it is necessary to obtain specimens of the plant 
yielding i 
4. Mr. This elton-Dyer is of opinion that as the Bombay fibre in- 
dustry is apparently an established branch of trade, its value might be 
greatly increased by the introduction of plants yielding the true Sisal 
hemp, and by improvements in the preparation. The subject is of con- 
siderable importance at the eet time, as white fibres are in great 
demand and sell at hi 
5. I am Papae to ae that the Government of India — w 
to proc and forward to Kew specimens of leaves or sm 
information as to the preparation and shipping of the fibre. On receipt 
of these Mr. Thiselton-Dyer will be happy to furnish a report on the 
subject, which may assist the ea ES rama of India in developing what 
may prove an important native industr 
I am, &o: 
Signed) D. MORRIS. 
J. A. Godley, Esq., C.B. \ ; 
INDIA OFFICE to ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. 
India Office, Whitehall, S.W. 
SIR, Mar ch 23, 1889. 
of commerce, and to inform you in reply that a copy of the same 
has ang i forwarded to the Government of Bombay for their information 
and gui 
The acta and information for which you ask will at once be 
transmitted to you on receipt from Bombay. 
The Director, (Signed) T i ra GODLEY. 
oyal Gardens, Kew. 
INDIA OFFICE to ROYAL GARDENS, KEw. 
India Office, Whitehall, p 
SIR, January 21, 
