130 
ALOE FIBRE IN SOMALI-LAND. 
Lieutenant-Colonel E. V. Stace to Sir E. BARING: 
Sin, Aden, J: aanry 31, 1892. 
I mave the honour to make the following report regarding the 
aer ee of the Somali Coast Protectorate, my object being that, 
d there be no objection, the amiet might be brought to the notice 
FE es various Chambers of Commerce in England, w ith a view to the 
possible gaa mene of a iuste Idus FEE Tak be beneficial to 
the people, and might urce of revenue to the Government. 
2. In November last a tate of the fibre was sent to the Government 
of Bombay. This was sent to England, and the reports have just been 
received. J must state here that the fibre was prepared in the roughest 
and rudest manner by ignorant Somalis in the manner described in the 
accompanying copy of a memorandum which I wroteon November 22nd 
last, yet the price obtaired was, I think, a very fair one, and might be 
considera bly increased if the fibre were properly pre 
The report of the Laing Company (Limited) on the fibre sent by 
the Government of Bom mbay states that it was sold at the rate of 167. 10s. 
per ton. “Our London brokers valued the parcel at about the same 
= * Price, and it is pretty evident that in larger Se ae this article 
would meet with a ready sale.” And again, “ This fibre compares 
a iroad with the many new types we see from various countries, 
= eres are frequently too poor in colour, or too short, brittle, and full 
of pith. Yours is of good strength, very nice colour and len 
ES brokers further €— the fibre “all very nice colour, and good 
* strength and ws ; This seems a very saleable article if 
*“ once introduced.” 
4. I need scarcely say that the small quantity sent was very much 
— a better price being obtained; the sale was by auction of what 
as really but a sample. 
ke There are vast quantities of the Aloe growing in Somali-land. 
The people themselves will do nothing towards making a trade in the 
fibre; indeed, they have not the means to work it profitably, though 
they use it extensively themselves for ropes and other articles. I have a 
Aden) over 7 feet in length, though I admit 
that this is akéoptional' still I am informed that the wild plant might be 
materially improved. I have no know ledge whatever myself on the sub- 
ject, but I have thought that if the existence of the plant and value of 
e fibre be made known in England through the Chambers of Commerce, 
it is possible that some persons with experience might be induced to 
e the necessary inquiries regarding a profitable production of the 
fibre. 
I have, &c. 
(Signed) E. V. Stace. 
P.S.—The specimen mentioned in paragraph 3 of the attached 
memorandum, as *sent to England," was merely a — hand-parcel. 
parcel sent through the Government o = was the one 
The larger 
reported on by the brokers, as mentioned in this letter above 
MEMORANDUM regarding the Aloe Fibre of Somali-land. 
The fcllowing is gathered from various sources in England and 
Somali-land. I have never seen the fibre prepared myself. 
