i88 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 



materials the following were selected for special 

 investigation : — 



" {A) Bast. Exhibited in the Gambia Section, but 

 not further described. Used by the natives for a 

 number of purposes. The fibre itself, when isolated,, 

 closely resembled jute in appearance ; while from 

 specimens showing the bast in situ (a stick stripped, 

 the fibre remaining attached so as to form a species 

 of whip), it appeared to be closely allied to the West 

 Indian Mahoe. The following determinations were. 

 made : — 



Moisture ...... ii'o per cent. 



Hydrolysis (a) 8-4 per cent. 



Cellulose . . . . . . 74'S >> 



Nitration 121 'o , , 



1 Length . . . 1-3 '5 mm. 

 

 Diameter . . 0'02 mm. 



This fibre is very similar in composition, chemical 

 and structural, to jute, and is capable of similar 

 applications. From the specimens, it was to be 

 concluded that they were obtained from a perennial, 

 from the main stem, or more probably the branches. 

 In regard to a probable commercial future for this, 

 fibre, the most favourable conditions of growth of the 

 plant should be first determined. Questions of this 

 nature are outside our province, but it scarcely needs- 

 to be mentioned that the authorities at Kew are 

 always ready to advise and assist in the necessary 

 investigations. 



