BES rhea A T eee 
2d] 
In the Yoruba language the Raphia vinifera is known as Igi-oguro, 
Eriko andAkpako, the Bass fibre as Iyo, and the fishing line Iyo-oguro 
or [yo-agbe. Along the inland waters or lagoons from Popo to Mahin 
the natives use this fibre for fishing lines, and as twine and rope. 
MESSRS. IDE AND CHRISTIE to ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. 
72, Mark Lane, London, E.C., 
DEAR SIR, October 10, 1890. 
WE duly received your letter of 8th instant, and to-day brings 
us the sample of fibrous material found at the base of the leaves of the 
“Bamboo” palm of West Africa (Raphia vinifera). 
e have seen this material before, and the small importations that 
(Some years ago) were not at all well received by consumers, 
most unsatisfactory when compared with the price and results of South 
American Piassava. 
During the past year or two, however, the market values of the latter 
have undergone a great change, Bahia Piassava having largely risen in 
price. We think, therefore, that it might be well worthy of producers 
attention were they to select only those fibres of which we return you 
specimens herewith, and clean them effectively from all the adherent 
small fibre. Only the strong healthy fibres should be selected and 
e material being somewhat of a novelty, it m 
shippers to confine their first shipment to, say, 10 to 20 tons, so as to 
try the market adequately. If properly selected and cleaned, we estimate 
that it would sell at 25. per ton to-day in London, a figure that, in our 
Opinion, should leave a handsome profit to the producer. 
ours &¢., 
(Signed) IDE AND CHRISTIE. 
D, Morris, Esq., M.A., F.L.S. 
MESSRS. IDE AND CHRISTE to ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. 
72, Mark Lane, E.C., 
DEAR SIR, October 24, 1890, 
E have your favour of the 23rd instant, and duly note the 
contents of enclosed extract from Minute of Governor of Lagos on the 
fibre of Raphia vinifera. ; 
Since wo lant ne to you on this subject, a few bales of “ African 
Bass ” recently imported have been sold, and reached the extreme price 
of 427. The fibre had been carefully selected and remarkably well 
cleaned, hence the excellent market it met with. We scarcely expect 
this price would be maintained for substantial quantities, but for ts 
of equal merit the immediate outlook would seem to indicate that 35/. 
to 407. might be the range of value. 
Yours, &c., 
(Signed) IDE AND CHRISTIE. 
D. Morris, Esq., M.A., F.L.S. 
