365 
Mesakuer Fisre, Boehmeriz species (Urticee). 
Another fibre is enumerated by Major Hannay (‘ Journ. Agri- 
Hortic. Soc.,’ vii, p. 217), which he says is called Mesakhee, and 
is an Urtica, but not a stinging one. It is a shrubby tree, pro- 
bably a species of Boehmeria, and is very abundant. Its young 
branches, which-are tender and red-coloured, as well as its 
leaves, are edible. Only a small quantity was at first sent, but 
afterwards three maunds of the fibre, to Messrs. Gouger and Co., 
to ascertain the value of the fibre in the Home market. Capt. 
Thompson says of it, in a report to the Agri-Horticultural 
Society : “I forward a log-line made of the fibre of the red 
Mesakhee plant, as also the remainder of the fibre itself. I find 
the strength of it quite equal to Russia Hemp, but for want 
of being properly harvested, the fibres cling so close together 
that great loss of material takes place in hackling it. I think 
it well adapted for cordage, and if brought into general use 
ought to bring as much as Petersburgh Hemp.” (‘ Journ. Agri- 
Hortic. Soc.,’ viii, p. 90.) 
Major Hannay says: “The Murrees and others might be 
induced to bring the fibre for sale; but as the value of this 
Nettle in the market has not been ascertained, I have only 
offered at the rate of Rs. 5 per maund, which, however, on 
account of the slow method of manipulation, has not been con- 
sidered remunerative.”’ (1. c., p. 89.) 
Of Major Hannay’s Nos. 6, 7, and 8, the first, which is the 
foregoing, he says is called Mesakhee or Mejingah, the other 
Mesakhee. No.6 has but little fibre and very rough stem. 
No. 7 has much the same habits as Bon Rheea, and can be 
cultivated like it. Its fibre is also of the same character, but 
white, strong, and durable. It is used for the same purposes. 
Capt. Dalton, in a letter, dated 20th July, 1854, referring 
to what the Author had said respecting the Wild or Bon Rheea, 
writes: “ As he alludes to the batch sent through this office by 
Major Hannay in 1853, he must refer to the ‘ Mesakhee,’ of 
which large quantities are procurable, growing wild in Upper 
Muttock and elsewhere in the district. The imstructions 
regarding the specimen of Petersburg Hemp sent out as a 
sample are more applicable to this fibre than to the Dom Rheea. 
