238 REPORT ON BAST FROM INDIA. 
of the transverse and the pliability of the longitudinal pieces 
of the Bast of which they are composed might easily he 
imitated. 
* Hast India House, Jan. 16, 1854.” 
Report upon new kinds of Bast-matting from India. 
* Hort. Soc. Gardens, Chiswick, 
January 11, 1854. 
“ Sir,—The three pieces of Indian Bast sent appear all the 
same, at least I cannot detect any difference in their qualities 
or appearance ; and I think, when it is made into mats, will 
prove an excellent substitute for Russian mats. It is very 
strong, is in broad strands, very pliable and tough when 
wetted, easily divided into small portions for the purpose of 
tying, &c., and is entirely free from knotty places; and when 
worked into mats in the Russian way, will be an excellent 
winter covering for pits and frames. The material, also, seems 
more firm and tough, and, I have no doubt, will last at least 
twice as long (in wear) as the best Russian mats; and, if sold 
at a less price, will in time supersede them. 
“The price of Russian mats is now from £7 10s. to £8 per 
100, wholesale; and from 2s. to 2s. 6d. each, retail. 
« A full-sized Russian mat weighs about 5 lb. when new and 
quite dry, is 7 feet long and 4 feet broad, and is made with the 
rougher and worst strands worked crossways, and the thinner 
and longer strands longways in the mats. 
“In making mats, it should be observed never to have any 
of them under the regular size, for small mats (either shorter 
or narrower) greatly detract from the value of full-sized ones 
when mixed with them. 
“ T remain, sir, your obedient servant, 
“ Grorce Gorpon. 
“To Dr. Royle, &c. &c.” 
The appearance of these basts may be thus described. All 
were sent in the state of bast, and twisted into rope, from 
Akyab in Arracan. The price of all stated to be one rupee a 
maund, or about 3s. a cwt. 
