6W 



THE BUAZE. 



Chap. XXXI. 



A representation of the plant is given in the annexed woodcut, 

 as a help to its identification. I was unable to procure either the 



flowers or fruit, but, as it is 

 not recognised at sight by that 

 accomplished botanist and 

 eminent traveller, 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 

 country 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 of 

 it feels like catgut in the hand, 

 and would rather cut the fingers than break. 



The Bu£ze. 



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 cannot 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 

 practical 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 favoured 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 501. or 601. 

 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 inquiry will be made as to the probable supply 

 of the material." 



We are, dear Sir, 



Your very obedient servants, 



The Rev. Dr. Livingstone. Pye, Brothers. 



