241 
“With very — exceptions for local uses, the whole of the fibre 
pele is d to Bahia to be sold on account of the owners by the 
consignees. 
“The annual export is about 7,000 tons, = which ie Britain takes 
slightly more than half; Germany coming seeond with nearly a qua 
rter; 
while Belguim, France, lai and the Bouthárs Republics ether, 
take the remaining quar 
“There is an export ma imperial and provincial together, of a 
per cent. ad valorem, which is declared every week, ces is assessed o 
the average weekly prices of the sales made by the broker 
“ Taking into consideration the simplicity of its nies (the fibre 
being ready for the market the moment it is pulled from the tree, and 
baled), the heavy duty in Brazil, and the high prices reali; zed in 
Europe, I cannot help thinking that those interested in the development 
of profitable industries in India, and our other tropical possessions, 
attempt to weap the Piassava Palm rewarded 
ultimately by handsome returns 
“JI am greatly indebted to ‘Mr. E. F. Bradley of the Star Brush 
Company, Holloway, and to Senr. F. E. Blanchet, of the Fazenda 
Bolandeira, near Canavieiras, for much valuable aid in this inquiry. 
& Appendix. 
* Export returns of Piassava fibre from Bahia for the year ending 
January 1889 :— 
Great Britain - - 535,419 
Germany - - - 289,548 
Belguim — - wood gpusgs 
France - =- 0,123 i 
Portugal - --~ 36,247 
Argentines : - — 6730 
Uraquay - - - 5,706 
Spain - - - 1,018 
1,045,903 milreis at 27d. £117,664. 
& Two hundred and fifty milreis is payable annually to the Provincial 
Government for the right of ¢ 
ot more than 60,000 arrobas (say 
28/. 2s. 6d. for 866 tons). Athough 866 tons be the amount specified 
on the licence, the proprietor is always well satisfied with 100 tons, 
and rarely gets more from one camp of cutters 
“T append a hin account as it may be of some interest or 
service. I have not taken into consideration the cost of opening up 
paths through the ps as this outlay is a very uncertain amoun ty 
depending entirely on the character of the obstacles. 
à 3 
