258 AMBARLE, OR HIBISCUS FIBRE. 
sent by Dr. Gibson as those of Hibiscus cannabinus, and which 
closely resemble those of some kinds of ordinary Brown Hemp, 
were favorably reported upon as follows, by Messrs. Enderby, 
then of the rope-manufactory at Greenwich. The Author has 
lately received an equally fine, if not finer, because softer speci- 
men, from Messrs. Noble; but this is probably the produce of 
Crotalaria juncea. Unfortunately the best specimens of fibre 
come tied up in the same bundle with some ordinary Brown 
Yemp, and with some dirty, uncleaned fibre. 
September 26th, 1844. 
We have received your samples of Indian Hemp, and are pleased to 
observe that we are likely to obtain an article from thence, that will go far 
to make England independent of Russia for the supply of that important 
commodity. The samples supplied have much the character of Italian 
Hemp, but is inferior to it in colour and softness of fibre. It will not, there- 
fore, in its present state be applicable for fine purposes. 
We send youa sample of some of the East Indian Hemp we have had 
dressed ; it appears very good, but not equal in strength to the generality 
of Russia Hemp; we feel, however, assured that it is capable of being got 
up in better condition, 
The present price of Italian Hemp is £32 per ton; Russia Hemp, £28 
per ton; Manilla, £23 per ton; New Zealand, £15 per ton; and Jute, 
about £13 per ton. The Indian Hemp, as per sample, £20 per ton; at 
which price we should at this period be prepared to purchase. 
Yours very truly, 
To Dr. J. F. Royle. C. H. G, Exprrsy. 
The Ambaree Hemp is stated by Dr. Gibson to be treated 
like the Tag or Crotalaria, being cut in November, and stored 
away until leisure time arrives for stripping the bark. It is 
in common use for plough and cart ropes, and is esteemed by 
the natives as very inferior to that of the Crotalaria juncea. 
Some of this fibre sent to Hull to be reported on in the year 
1840, was thus spoken of: “A greater part of that by the 
‘Wanderer,’ which is of similar quality to your Umbarree, 
or Hibiscus cannabinus, cannot be sold for £16 a ton in the Hull 
market, when Baltic Hemp meets a ready sale at £40. You 
will perceive how much depends on colour and staple. Preju- 
dice is not wanting,—but that is giving way.” (Agric. and 
Nortic. Soc. of Western India, 1842.) 
The length of the fibres of carefully cultivated Ambaree Hemp 
is from five to six feet ; they are of a paler brown than ordinary 
Brown Hemp, harsher in feel, and stick more together, as if 
all the gum had not been washed out; but they are divisible 
into fine fibrils, possessed of considerable strength, and well. 
