OTHER HIMALAYAN NETTLES. 371 
Mr. C. Gubbins, C.S., when at Simla, forwarded some 
specimens of fibrous material produced by a species of Urtica 
growing about and below Simla, used by the natives of those 
parts for making string. The process, which he describes as 
employed for separating this fibre, is interesting from its sim- 
plicity. The plant is cut in October, and dried in the sun; 
when brittle it is beaten, and the fibres separate easily. He 
observes: ‘Seeing it stated that there was considerable labour 
required in cleaning the fibre, I made particular inquiries on 
this head; and as far as I can learn, there is no greater 
trouble in cleaning the fibre of the Urtica when merely dried, 
than is experienced with the Hemp of the Hills which is not 
rotted in water.” Hence the separation would seem to be 
effected entirely by the dry process and mechanical means. 
Capt. Rainey, when Assist. Pol. Agent at Subathoo, sent a 
net formed from the fibre of a Stinging Nettle, which grows 
in the same locality as that described by Mr. Gubbins, as 
he says: 
1st. The Nettles from which this sample was wove, grew in 
the low valleys adjacent to the Hill Station of Simla in the 
Himalaya Mountains. 
“2d. The vegetable abounds in all the ravines and valleys 
of those mountains, and forms one of the most rank weeds of 
these places, during the rainy months. 
“3d. In August and September, when it is in perfection, it 
can be obtained in any quantity, running from five to six and 
seven feet in height. 
“4th, As far as I have been able to ascertain, it is chiefly 
in demand, if not at present wholly so, for fishing nets; in con- 
sequence of the virtue ascribed to the cord wove from it, of 
gaining increased strength by constant immersion in water, and 
resisting decay from that element longer than any other de- 
scription of cords. 
“5th. The weed is known throughout the lower and centre 
ranges of the Himalayas by the names Babar, or Allow, or 
Bichoo ; the last evidently consequent on its stinging property, 
being the common designation of the scorpion. 
“6th. The following is the preparation to which the article 
is subjected by the natives of the Place ; but, I doubt not, much 
of the process might be omitted or simplified — 
