PRICES FOR PLANTAIN PRODUCTS. 89 
With respect to the strength of Plantain fibre, I may state, 
that in some experiments which I have had made on Plantain 
fibre, some from Madras bore a weight of 190 lb., but the 
specimen from Singapore bore not less than 390 lb., while a 
salvage of Petersburgh Hemp, of the same length and weight, 
broke with 160 lb. A twelve-thread rope of Plantain fibre 
made in India broke with 864 lb., when a similar rope made 
of Pine-apple fibre broke with 924 1b. Even from these ex- 
periments, it is evident that Plantain fibre possesses sufficient 
tenacity to be applicable to many, at least, of the ordinary 
purposes of cordage, as is very clearly shown by the experiments 
detailed in the annexed tabular statement. But it is probable 
that the plants grown in a moister climate than that of Madras 
will possess a greater degree of strength. The outer fibres 
may also be converted into a useful kind of coarse canvass, 
as has been done by Dr. Hunter; and the more delicate inner 
fibres most probably into finer fabrics, as is the case with those 
of the Abaca or Musa textilis; when equal care has been taken 
in the preparation and separation of the fibres, and there is 
some experience in weaving them. 
Having seen the rate at which such materials may be im- 
ported, both from the East and the West Indies, it is desirable 
to have some idea of the prices which are likely to be realised 
for Plantain fibre or pulp, when introduced into the markets 
of Europe. Manilla Hemp, which has long been in demand 
both in America and in Europe, had a nett average price, for: 
the ten years previous to 1852, of £32 per ton. In part of 
the years 1844 and 1845, it sank as low as £22 to £25 3 and the 
consumption increased so much, that the price rose, in 1852, to 
£44 and £50 for the average kinds; but, independently of what 
was used for cordage and coarse purposes, there was a con- 
siderable consumption of the fine, white qualities, for which 
horse-hair had originally been used. In the recent rise which 
took place (April, 1854), Manilla Hemp was quoted at from 
70s. to 76s. per cwt. Though common Plantain fibre is not 
possessed of the strength of Manilla Hemp, yet it is fitted for 
many of the ordinary purposes of cordage and canvass, and 
some of the fine kinds for textile fabrics of fine quality and 
lustre. In the communication from Demerara, already quoted, 
it is stated that “in 1846, a gentleman (probably Mr. May) 
