64 MANILLA HEMP. 
and Banana, and that some of these may be indigenous to 
America; but as stated by Mr. Brown, nothing has been 
advanced to prevent all the cultivated varieties being derived 
from one species, Musa sapientum (also called M. paradisiaca), 
of which the original is the wild Musa, described by Dr. 
Roxburgh as grown from seed received from Chittagong. 
Mr. Brown further adds, that it is not even asserted that the 
types of any of those supposed species of American Banana, 
growing without cultivation and producing perfect seed, have 
anywhere been found.”’ (‘ Illust. of Himal. Bot.,’ p..355.) 
If the Plantain and Banana are therefore natives of Asia, 
which have been introduced, probably, by the Spaniards into 
America, no plants can more strikingly display the benefits 
derivable to one country from introducing the useful plants of 
another which is similar in climate. For Plantains and 
Bananas are now extensively cultivated in various parts of 
South America, and at an elevation of 3000 feet in the Caraccas. 
They are abundant in the West India Islands, as well as at 
considerable elevations in Mexico. To the negroes in the 
West Indies, the Plantain is invaluable, and like bread to the 
European, is with them denominated the staff of life. In 
Guiana, Demerara, Jamaica, Trinidad, and other principal 
colonies, many thousand acres are planted with the Plantain. 
But, before proceeding to treat of the Plantain and Banana, 
it is desirable to notice the species which yields Manilla Hemp, 
showing how valuable some of these plants are, on account of 
their fibres. 
Manitta Heme (Musa textilis). 
Among the various substitutes for hemp, few have hitherto 
attracted more attention than Manilla Hemp, and this from 
the elegance of its appearance, combined with the power of 
bearing great strains, as well as from being very durable, lighter, 
and also cheaper than Russian hemp. It has of late years been 
much employed for cordage of various kinds, especially where 
considerable strain is required, as in ropes for raising goods 
into warehouses or out of mines. Some yachts, as well as 
many American vessels, have the whole of their rigging com- 
posed of Manilla Hemp, and this cordage, when worn out, can 
