84 PRODUCTS OF PLANTAIN FROM INDIA, 
the rates at which Plantain fibre, tow, and pulp, might be ob- 
tained as articles of commerce. Dr. Hunter, of Madras, has 
done much in showing the various purposes to which this 
valuable product might be applied ; as he sent to the Exhibition 
of 1851 both the fibre and the tow in a well-cleaned state. 
The former about four feet in length, and also dyed of several 
colours, as well as twisted into fine cord and into rope. Some 
Plantain rope was, moreover, sent in a tarred state. A portion of 
the tow was sent in a state fit for packing and stuffing, and 
some converted into paper ; of the latter, some was almost as 
thin as silver paper, and some of it seemingly as tough and 
tenacious as parchment, well fitted for packing paper, as appa- 
rently little affected by water. But in this country, some ex- 
cellent letter paper has been made from the Plantain fibre. 
Besides the above, Plantain meal was sent by Professor Key 
from Madras, and preserved Plantains from Jessore. But dried 
Plantains seem already established as an article of commerce at 
Bombay, as we observe them among the exports for the year 
1850-51, from thence to Cutch and Guzerat, to the extent 
of 267 cwt., valued at 1456 rupees. So that the various appli- 
cations of which Plantain fruit and fibre are susceptible have 
been already made in India. It remains only to produce them 
as cheaply as the other products of the country. 
Dr. Hunter, in his experiments, found that the fibre cost 
about three annas, or about sixpence, a pound—which is pro- 
hibitive as an article of export; but he states that if regular 
supplies of the fibre were required, the price might be reduced 
to two annas. He also mentions that, at Madras, the rate at 
which the stems were at first supplied was ten annas for one 
hundred trees; but this was raised to four rupees for the same 
number, when he began to make use of them. This is a suffi- 
cient proof that they are not very abundant there. But “in 
the vicinity of some of the Zillah (that is, of District) Jails, the 
Plantain is cultivated very extensively, but no use is made of 
the stems, which are allowed to rot on the surface of the 
ground.” This is also the case in most parts of India. 
On the opposite coast of Arracan, the Plantain is abundant. 
What seem to be the layers forming the stem of such a plant, 
and about seven feet in length, are sold there in a dried state, 
and called Pa-tha-you Shaw; some of it even twisted into a 
