PREPARATION OF SUNN FIBRE. 275 
allows the fibre to obtain a proper degree of firmness, without 
suffering it to be parched by the heat of the sun. 
Dr. Roxburgh observes, “all that seems necessary is to 
caution the cultivators against oversteeping the plant, which 
they are apt to do, because it renders the separation of the 
bark from the stalks easier, but weakens its fibres. Small 
pools of clear water, well exposed to the sun’s beams, seem 
best suited for steeping in, because heat hastens maceration, 
consequently preserves the strength of the fibres, while the 
clean water preserves their colour. Deep water, being cooler, 
requires more time for the operation.” He further states, that 
the result of many experiments leads him to think that 
steeping immediately after the plant is pulled is the best, at 
least in Bengal during the rains, for then it is very difficult 
to dry it, and the fibre becomes weakened and the colour 
injured. He found no advantage, but the reverse, by drying 
the plant, after maceration, and before the bark was removed, 
as often practised with Hemp and Flax in Europe.’ But in 
his ‘ Fl. Ind.,’ iii, p. 262, he says: ‘“ Others, and I believe with 
good reason, recommend its being dried for some time previous 
to. its being steeped.” When the seed is ripe the fibre is 
stronger, but requires a much longer time for steeping. 
If the Sunn be dressed before it is shipped for England, the 
commodity will be rendered more valuable; but considerable 
loss of weight (probably about one third) having ensued from 
the combing or heckling removing much short fibre or tow, it 
is of course increased in price. The Sunn of Bengal is always 
whiter than that of Bombay, owing to the mode in which it is 
prepared. 
Drying —When the Sunn has been thoroughly washed, 
it is usually hung up on lines or bamboos to dry. When dry, 
it is combed, if intended for fishing nets or small lines; but if 
for common use, they merely separate the fibres a little with 
their fingers, and make it up into bundles for market. The 
use of the Hemp-brake is unknown in India, but the Sunn 
might in many cases, after watering, be bruised with a brake 
and then scutched. 
It is in cleaning the fibres Mr. Frushard considers that the 
! See also ‘ Observations on Fibrous Veg. Substitutes for Flax and Hemp,’ p. 45. 
