eit An ae 
i> =) So Uehara et a e 
233 
the strips are usually loosely plaited in hanks 1} to 3 pergi $ _ 
made up into bales weighing 1} to 54 cwt. Each strip is 
coloured flat band stot 4 feet long, and about 4 to 3 inch wider but 
capable of sub-division into fine threads. 
Owing to the French expedition to Madagascar, Rafia has already 
Shown an advance in price. It was sold recently at 55s. per ewt. 
Apart from this, however, there is apparently a steady demand and a 
good price for Rafia fibre 
Raphia Ruffia is closely allied to the Bamboo palm of tropical 
Africa. If the s supply of Rafia from Madagascar were greatly reduced 
Report by Mr. C. F. Cross, F.I.C., on the Miscellaneous Fibres shown 
at the Colonial and ue Exhibition 1886. Mr. Cross mentioned that 
this was so closely similar to Rafia “ as to be —— to precisely the 
same = 3 Fere following parere e were 
Moisture - - - > - 9:8 per cent. 
Ash- - - - ~ - 3s AA 
Cellulose ~ - - - a ges 
Ultimate fibres. Length - - - 1:5 to 2'5 mm. 
“ It is needless to say that the raw material is particularly clean ; in 
length of fibre, but more e eee in yield of cellulose, it is superior to 
Esparto ; it only remains, therefore, to determine the cost of production, 
and if within the limit, to tte Pied is raw material into European 
commerce. A further examination of this substance comparatively 
with Rafia, which still commands a high price amongst gardeners and 
nurserymen, showed that it was so closely similar as to be applicable to 
precisely the same uses, and such an application would, of course, take 
precedence of that above EEA This fibrous material is well worthy 
of further attention. 
have received from Messrs. Joynson satisfactory reports upon the 
papers made from the Rafia strips exhibited in the West African Section. 
r were e by the (basic) sulphite process, and bleached to a 
colour. The paper was reported to be of exceptional strength. 
CAAA and Indian Exhibition Paon pp. a, 385. 
mall shipments of West African Rafia e already been made to 
this country. It was, however, badly aA ge the results were not 
Satisfactory. The strips were too short, and they reached their destina- 
tion curled up so as to resemble very fine twine. It is necessary the 
strips should be very sea of poo kere and dried aa flat. 
Some of the best Madagascar Rafia is about 3} to 4 ft 
West African Rafia, to replace the Madagascar fibre, must be a e 
as possible, with a > ik of about 7 to ł in., but none less than 
If the Bamboo palm (Raphia vinifera) does not afford t ‘ bik 
material for Ratia strips, it is possible some other won may do so. 
The West Afri frica Raphia so paps Pe 
Raphia vinifera, Recs —Bamboo palm. EA in West Africa, 
extending also to central tropical Africa, where it was found by 
