51 
as follows :—“ The Oudh Gazetteer says it is chiefly grown as a hed 
z (plant) to keep back cattle, but in the jails koel then is prep a 
“ from its leaves.” Dict. Econ. Prod. India, vol. i. p. 143 (1887). 
i loe fi i 
of Agave rigida, is of considerable merit. If properly cleaned it would 
command relatively high prices. A specimen of fibre from Agave 
vivipara, cleaned in this country by the Death machine, has been valued 
at 25/. to 30l. per ton. The difference between 19/. and 30/. per ton, 
due entirely to the mode of cleaning this fibre, is a fact that needs no 
comment, 
ROYAL GARDENS, Kew, to INDIA OFFICE. 
Royal Gardens, Kew, 5 
ebruary 21, 1889. 
I am desired by Mr. Thiselton Dyer to inform you that a speci- 
men of white fibre, known in commerce as ** Bom oe fibre," has 
been lately presented to the Kew Museums of Economie Botany. 
2. From the character of the fibre it would appear that this is obtained 
from Agave americana or an allied dely p 
hand. The price of this fibre is from 15s. to 18s. per cwt., while Sisal 
SIR, 
demand and sell at high prices. ? 
5. I am therefore to suggest that the Government of India should be 
moved to procure and forward to Kew specimens of leaves or sma 
plants from which the present Bombay Aloe fibre is obtained, and full 
information as to the preparation and shipping of the fibre. On receipt 
of these Mr. Thiselton Dyer will be happy to furnish a report on the 
subject, which may assist the Government of India in developing what 
may prove an important native industry. ; 
I am, &c. | 
(Signed) D. Morais. 
J. A. Godley, Esq., C.B. 
Innia Orrice to ROYAL Gampews, Kew. ——— 
India Office, Whitehall, S.W. 
. March 23, 1889. 
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for India in Council to 
acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your interesting letter E 
21st ultimo, on the subject of the true soucce of the “ Bombay Aio e 
Sin, 
