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“ Aloes Malgache’’—Furcraea gigantea and the ‘‘ Aloes 
Creole "—Furcraea gigantea var. Willemeliana. The Aloes 
Creole contains a larger percentage of fibre than the Aloes 
Malgache and grows more rapidly. It is estimated that there 
are approximately 20,000 arpents (1 arpent equals 1°05 acre) 
under aloes in the Colony. In the higher districts the plants 
grow more slowly than in the warmer districts around the 
coast, and it is in these coastal districts that the majority of 
the factories are situated. In 1913 there were 42 factories 
in operation, of which 25 were situated in the Black River 
District. During recent years planting of Aloes Creole 
(Furcraea gigantea var. Willemeliana) and Sisal (Agave 
sisalana) on a plantation basis has taken place. The plantings of 
sisal have grown satisfactorily, but in many cases irregularly, 
while the plantings of Aloes Creole have proved very satis- 
factory. It is estimated that there are 60 to 75 arpents planted 
with sisal in the Colony, and 1,500 of Aloes Creole. The 
latter are now generally preferred, as they require less atten- 
tion in the early stages of growth and grow with much greater 
regularity. 
Factories.—The factories are all small ones—their outputs 
ranging from 50 to 150 tons with an average of about 55 tons 
of dry fibre per factory. The leaves are brought to the 
factory by tramway or by ox-carts. They are scraped by 
grattes (raspadors), two men working at each gratte. The 
green fibre is then washed and afterwards allowed to soak for 
from 36 to 48 hours in soapy water for disintegration of 
attached particles of pulp previous to bleaching. Bleaching 
and drying are carried out in the sun, and finally the dry 
fibre is brushed in brushing machines before being baled for 
shipment. 
Cost of Production.—The cost of production varies between 
£11 and £15 per ton of dry fibre. The various items that 
make up these expenses are discussed, and a brief description 
is given of the attempts that are being made to reduce the 
costs of production in the factory. The fuel item, in the past 
year, has been greatly reduced by the installation of suction- 
gas plants worked with charcoal. The Government has also 
taken the matter in hand, and is installing at a central spot an 
automatic decorticating plant with a view to ascertaining if 
further reductions of costs cannot be effected. 
Capital and Possibilities for Extension The industry is 
worked on as little capital as possible, and therefore it does 
not increase as fast as might be expected. However, there 
are signs that closer attention is being paid to making new 
plantations. With regular plantations and attention to culti- 
vation the industry will be capable of attracting attention from 
