t 
k 
7 
q 
: 
279 
LXXXVIII—FIBRES OF INDIA. 
[K. B., 1894, p. 321.] 
LEXTRACT:] 
Among fibrous plants it may be pointed out that Aang great tracts of 
India (in the form of hedges) are regularly under the American aloe, 
the fibre of that plant is not at all utilised. PETE points to the 
possibility of this large stock of cides fibre not only being used 
pares: little result, Interest may, however, be said to have at 
last been aroused in this most admirable fibre, and ig supplies are 
being accordingly collected for experimen tal purpose One or two 
enlightened native gentlemen have e than once ae induced to 
his pla it i i 
however, 
emand arise, Tada ‘might largely participate in the supply of this fibre. 
There are also many most useful fibres known to the people of India 
et have for centuries been tie iea grown to meet local demands. 
of these might be produced on a large scale at low prices, were a 
tade created for them. Amongst these may be mentioned Sunn-hemp 
(Crotalaria juncea) and Deccan-hemp (Hibiscus cannabinus). In the 
light of the fixation of nitrogen in the soil through the cultivation of 
plants belonging to the pea family, an extended production of Sunn- 
mp would be a positive gain to In 
ut the forests and jungles of ida’ are literally teeming with wild 
fibrous plants, many of vua could be grown on a large scale were 
this found necessary. For example, in the Rajmahal-hemp (Marsdenia 
r ; 
among Indian fibres the highest known per-centage of cellulose, 
loses considerably less than any other under hydrolysis with soda or 
acid purification, while its weight is greatly increased by nitration. A 
line made of it broke when dry at 248 Ibs., and when wet at 343 Ibs., 
against a similar line of the finest hemp, w which broke at 158 and 
190 lbs. But a volume might be written on the unexploited fibres of 
India, most of which could be easily added to the list of regularly 
cultivated crops. If those already meneron do not suffice, any of the 
following might be tried :—Abroma, Abutilon, Anona, Bauhinia, 
Calotropis, Helicteres, Malachra, pS Pavonia, Sesbania, Sterculia, 
Villebrunea, &e., &e. 
LXXXIX.—FIBRE PLANTS OF FORMOSA. 
[K. B., 1896, pp. 73-74. ] 
[EXTRACT. ] 
Dr. Augustine aed reports that there are three chief fibre-yielding 
plants in cultivatio 
1. Boehmeria iva „ known locally as “‘ t‘o8,” the “ ch‘o ” of Pekingese, 
the nettle-hemp, es China grass fibre. ee an the customs 
returns for Tainan i been distinguished by the last name, but 
4 
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