212 
Kew Bulletin with the view of placing the ae within reach of 
a large class of people interested in the subje 
ROYAL GARDENS, KEW, to COLONIAL OFFICE. 
SIR, Royal pe rer Kev 
November 6 1889. 
I aM desired by Mr. Thiselton-Dyer to inform yas that the high 
prices now ruling for white rope fibres have stimulated inquiries ‘in 
regard to their wiag and Sarea and numerous applications have 
been made to Kew on the subject. 
As you are Eite, a soliaidetatile industry has arisen in Mauritius 
Hats the last six or seven years in extracting fibre from the leaves of 
the és vert (Furcraea tan This fibr re is known in commerce 
as Mauritius hemp, and it is regularly quoted in London prices 
current. 
. The success of the industry in Mauritius indicates that a tolerably 
shidebantut machine has been found capable of preparing the fibre on a 
commercial seale. prieg as regards the nature and working of 
ae a machine is just now a matter of orcas ae interes 
: if S 
for a comparison of the results obtained in differ ent miter a could be 
supplied in the form of replies to the ications given mya? enclosed 
schedule, 
am 
(Signed) D. MORRIS: 
The Hon. R. H. Meade, C.B. 
[Enclosure.] 
MACHINES IN USE at MAURITIUS for EXTRACTING FIBRES from LEAVES 
of Furcraea gigantea 
L foe and description of machine ae address of maker) ? 
2. Weight and cost (not including power) ? 
_ How g in use ? 
4. Whether worked by hand, horse, or steam pow: 
5. If by steam, ere is the registered aa aoao pene to drive 
one machi 
. No. of men gra to feed and remove fibre (not including 
carriers or other panni employed in bringing in leaves or in 
drying the fibre 
7. Average out-turn i wet fibre for each machine per hour ? 
8. Arengo, out-turn of dry fibre for each maehine per day of — 
urs ? 
» 
` 
J. Average cost in labour, fuel, &c., in cleaning a ton of dry fibre ? 
10. Please add any other, information respecting the character and 
working of the machine not included in the above inquiries. 
Sir C. C. LEES to LORD KNUTSFORD. 
Government House, Mauritius, 
MY rerio February 2%), 1890 
I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship a copy of a 
ppor by the Acting Sarveyor-General, Mr. Vandermeersch, forward- 
g replies to the questions annexed to Mr. Morris’ letter of the 6th 
Splice 
