NEILGHERRY NETTLEK. 367 
on the Malabar coast, and specimens of fibre of what was 
called Neilgherry Nettle, produced by Urtica heterophylla, were 
sent by Dr. Wight to the Exhibition of 1851. It is also found 
in Burmah and in Assam; and along the foot of the hills 
extends to the DeyraDoon. It may be seen even in the northern 
valleys of the Himalayas. It is an annual, with erect angular 
stems, marked with small white specks, in which are inserted 
stiff, most acute bristles. The leaves are long, petioled, caudate 
at the base, variously lobed, aud towards the top of the plant 
almost palmate; all are grossly serrate, armed with the same 
bristles as the stem and branches, from four to eight inches 
long and nearly as broad. Dr. Roxburgh says of it, that it is 
the most ferocious-looking plant he has seen, and it acts 
up to its appearance : the least touch of any part producing most 
acute pain, but fortunately of short duration. The bark 
abounds in fine, white, glossy, silk-like, strong fibre. Major 
Hannay says of it, that it is the Horoo Surat of the Assamese, 
and known to the Bhotecas as the Serpah or Herpah, —that the 
fibre is extensively used by them in the manufacture of cloth. 
It was recognized by the Chinese as the Theng Mah, and said 
to be prized for the softness of its fibre, as well as for its strength. 
As the seeds are quick of vegetation, the cultivation of this plant 
can be carried to any extent. 
The fibre of this Nettle, sent from the Neilgherries, is very 
long, soft, white, and silky, and has been much admired by 
many of the best judges of fibres. The specimens were sent 
by Dr. Wight, and prepared in a rude way by boiling by the 
Todawars of the Neilgherry Mountains. Dr. Wight says of 
it, that “it produces a beautifully fine and soft flax-like fibre, 
which the Todawars use as a thread material, and if well pre- 
pared fitted to compete with Flax for the manufacture of even 
very fine textile fabrics.” 
This fibre could of course be equally well prepared in a mul- 
titude of other places, some near, others distant from the sea. 
Mr. Marshall did not consider it well suited for his purpose. 
At Dundee, it was thought a very good fibre, but rather dry. 
Mr. Dickson, who has passed it through his machine and 
liquid, has rendered it like a beautiful, soft, silky kind of Flax, 
and calls it a wonderful fibre, of which the tow would be useful 
for mixing with wool, as has been done with the China-grass, and 
