THE BUAZE. 



691 



of it 

 than 



representation of the plant is given in the annexed wood- 

 cut, as a help to its identifica- 

 tion. I was unable to procure 

 either the flowers or fruit ; but, 

 as it is not recognized at sight 

 by that accomplished botanist 

 and eminent traveler, Dr. J. D. 

 Hooker, it may safely be con- 

 cluded that it is quite unknown 

 to botanists. It is stated by 

 the Portuguese to grow in large 

 quantities in the Maravi coun- 

 try north of the Zambesi, but it 

 is not cultivated, and the only 

 known use it has been put to 

 is in making threads on which 

 the natives string their beads. 

 Elsewhere the split tendons of 

 animals are employed for this 

 purpose. This seems to be of 

 equal strength, for a firm thread 



feels like catgut in the hand, and would rather cut the fingers 



break. 



The Budze. 



This is even yet more the case with the Conge, which, being naturally a harsh 

 fibre, full of gums, wants exactly that powerful treatment which our process is 

 calculated to give it, but which can not be applied to such miniature specimens. 

 We do not therefore consider this as more than half treated, its fibre consequently 

 remaining yet harsh, and coarse, and stiff, as compared with what it would be if 

 treated in quantity. 



Judging that it would be satisfactory to you to be in possession of the best prac- 

 tical opinion to be obtained on such a subject, we took the liberty of forwarding 

 your little specimens to Messrs. Marshall, of Leeds, who have kindly favored us 

 with the following observations on them : 



' ' We have examined the samples you sent us yesterday, and think the Conge or 

 aloe fibre would be of no use to us, but the Buaze fibre appears to resemble flax, 

 and as prepared by you will be equal to flax worth £50 or £60 per ton, but we 

 could hardly speak positively to the value unless we had 1 cwt. or 2 cwt. to try on 

 our machinery. However, we think the result is promising, and we hope further in- 

 quiry will be made as to the probable supply of the material." 



We are, dear sir, your very obedient servants, 



Pye, Brothers. 



Tfie Rev. Dr. Livingstone. 



