A very common variety has been cultivated experimentally 

 in the United States, is the Indian Mallow ("Abutilon Avicenna"). 

 It is an annual, growing to the height of 4, 6 and 8 feet stalks 

 and more feet are recorded. It is widely distributed, north and 

 south, east of the Rocky Mountains, and is found in the State 

 of Washington. 



The Indian Mallow grows so freely on any rich soil, even 

 thrusting itself in and growing spontaneously that it has al- 

 most become a farm pest in many parts of the country. It grows 

 luxuriantly throughout the west and north, producing even now 

 vast quantities of fiber which rots on the stalk every year. The 

 fiber is strong, glassy and white and the ligneuous body of the 

 plant yields more celulose for paper stock than any other species. 

 It has been claimed that fiber that has been extracted from plants 

 that have not reached their maturity will be fine enough to work 

 into yarn for carpet filling, and even fabrics can be so manufac- 

 tured. It takes dyes readily, and an advantage in this respect is 

 claimed over our Indian jute, which is antagonistic, to cheap 

 bleaching and dyeing. The seed of the plant is so hardy that it 

 is not affected by any climate. 



Professor Waterhouse, at one time strongly advocated the 

 cultivation of this species for its fiber, to which he gave the name 

 "Bute," and at forty-five years of age he wrote as follows: "Abu- 

 tilon Ayincenna seems susceptible of development into a source 

 of public wealth. The plant grows throughout the west in rank 

 and wild luxuriance. It has the spirit and capacity of conquest. 

 With invasive march it has taken possession of large tracts of 

 land. Its tenacity of life and rapid spread renders its cultivation 

 a far easier task than its extermination. There are today in the 

 suburbs of St. Louis, stalks of Abutilon eight feet high. Unlike 

 the Indian Jute, Abutilon needs no naturalization. To the man- 

 ner born, it exhibits stubborn determination to occupy its heri- 

 tage. 



EXPERIMENTS WITH "ABUTILON AVICENNAE." 



Experiments with the plant in cultivation date back fifty 

 years at least, when it attracted considerable attention in the west, 

 particularly in Illinois, through the endeavors of Mr. H. M. H. 

 McConnell to establish the industry. The value of the fiber was 

 demonstrated at that time by its manufacture into twine, rope 

 etc., and in the report of a State Fair committee, in 1871, the 

 fiber was given a flattering promise of utility. 



According to this report the plants were stated to grow 9 to 

 14 feet high, the seed should be sown 12 to 16 quarts per acre. 

 A volunteer crop will spring up the last of July which may be dew 

 retted. The cost of cutting is given at 75 cents per acre. Water 

 retting ten dollars, dew retting five dollars, hand cleaning, twelve 

 dollars and half as much by machinery. Total cost, not including 

 rent of land, $19 to $31. Messrs. McConnell offered $100 per 

 ton for all water retted that could be furnished and $75 for dew 

 retted. The crop is not exhaustive to the land if the refuse is 

 returned to it. 



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