312 
The method proposed by the author consists in the deter- 
mination of the principal characteristics of each sample of 
fibre, the multiplication of each by an appropriate coefficient, 
then to add the products and compare the totals thus obtained 
for each sample with the sum of the characteristics of the 
fibre taken as type after having multiplied them in the same 
way by the respective coefficients. 
The relative values of the fibres, of which it is desired to 
determine the value, are thus obtained. By means of the 
Ctx Ve 
est 
C represents the price which it is desired to calculate; Ct the 
market price of the type fibre, and Vr the relative value of the 
fibre. 
To facilitate the determination of the relative value and of 
the price of various samples two tables may be drawn up. 
The author, after explaining his method, offers as an 
example its application fo the determination of the value of 
sisal hemp. 
In view of the importance of the subject, the author adds 
that ‘‘ it is expedient that the Third International Congress of 
Tropical Agriculture shall take the initiative in nominating 
am international commission which shall be instructed to 
establish a practical method for the determination of the 
commercial value of the various fibres and to secure its 
adoption in all countries.”’ 
formula C = the respective prices are obtained: 
The Cuairman: Gentlenien—We are very much indebted to 
Professor Geraldes for the very interesting paper which he has 
read. It is not easy, at short notice, to discuss the proposal 
which he has made for the testing of fibres, but we hope later 
on to have an opportunity of reading it and studying it. On 
your behalf I desire to thank him most cordially for his 
contribution. 
The following papers were taken as read :— 
THE FIBRE INDUSTRY OF MAURITIUS. 
By F A. Stocxpate, M.A., F.LS., 
Director of Agriculture, Mauritius. 
[ABSTRACT. ] 
The fibre industry is, after sugar, the most important agri- 
cultural industry of the Colony of Mauritius. The fibre is 
obtained almost entirely from plants of Furcraca gigantea, 
which grow wild in all districts of the Island. These plants 
are locally called ‘‘ Aloes,’’ and two varieties occur, viz., 
