244 
The loose ends of the divided leaflet are then taken between the 
right finger and thumb with the fibre-hanging over the first finger. 
The ends of the e remaining tags of tissue are patted with the left fore- 
finger for about half an i nch of their length above where they join the 
fibre. This bruised portion is twisted round between the thumb nail 
and finger so as to separate it from the remaining tissue, and is pulled 
forcibly through the loose fibre, cleaning it =~ oughly as it passes. 
gs with the ibre. attached (Spec imen E.) are now held in the 
right kai, and rolled on the thigh in patis by the left palm so as to 
twist the fibre into double stranded twine. This primitive method o 
string making I have noticed also in central America and among the 
into a cord, and holding the loose. green tags of tissue one at a time 
between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, the remaining fibre 
is drawn out es F.) and rolled up on the thig h so as to complete 
the cord (Spec n G.). The cords are plaited into pigtails, and are 
=r oP. in the ‘shade to dry (Specimen H. 
ter they are thoroughly dried tkë Mot. lengths are made into lines 
i: alin on the leg and inserting new lengths from time to time 
(Specimen I.). 
Fig. 3. Sketch illustrating method of preparing fine cord and fishing lines from 
oil-palm fibre. 
The method of goalie as roughly shown in the sai sketch, is 
unusually clumsy, but has the advantage of strength. In the finer lines 
the inserted pieces are raved out at the end, and w hed into the 
mayer in the usual manne 
ras can be acerina the only use to which this fibre is put 
is the eau ing of fishing lines and fine cords. It would appear to be 
too costly for native cloth, net, or bag making. The following results of 
actual experiments ker serve to keot the tedious and expensive nature 
a th 
calculated at less than 75/. a ton. It is therefore clear that it would 
impossible to vole an export trade in this article at the present 
rate of European pri 
(Signed) ALVAN MILLSON, 
Assistant Colonial Secretary, 
