315 
1. The development reached by the plants requires a 
minimum distance of two metres. 
2. Every plant produces at least 30 leaves per annum. 
3. In order to obtain one kilogram of fibre, 73 leaves are 
required. 
4. The average yield of fibre per hectare is Io quintals, 
which, at the minimum price of L.80, gives a gross yield of 
L.800. By deducting from this yield the expenses of culti- 
vation and extraction, pressing, packing, sinking fund for 
machinery and capital invested, there remains a net yield of 
at least 150 lire per hectare. The price is calculated on the 
shortest fibre (1°10 metre). 
5. Sisal hemp may, therefore, be grown on arid lands in 
Sicily which are unsuitable for any other cultivation. 
THE PAPER MAKING VALUE OF TROPICAL FIBRES. 
By Crayton BrapLe and H. P. Stevens. 
[ ABSTRACT. ] 
A history of attempts to utilize tropical fibres submitted 
at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition. 
Utilization of cotton-seed fuzz. 
Utilization of sugar-cane, Megasse, Cyperus papyrus 
(‘Sudd’’), bamboo, various varieties of Hedychium, 
Amomum, Alpinia, and allied plants. 
THE FIBRES OF THE NETHERLAND EAST INDIES. 
By THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BUITENZORG. 
[No abstract supplied. ] 
