273 
and known as “mixed land." Te soil has an average depth of 8 inches, 
and is underlaid by soft limestone rock, similar to that of our “ Pine - 
Barren " lands. 
The largest fibre fields in the State are to be found on this shallow 
stony soil; and the yield of fibre is greater than on the deeper soil 30 
miles further inlan 
I could not, when looking at the fibre fields of Yucatan, doubt for a 
moment that the fibre fields of this colony are equally good; and if the 
growth of plants is any guarantee of the virtue contained in the soil in 
which they grow, I do not hesitate in drag that the soil of the Bahamas 
is equally as ; good as the soil of Yuca 
Any one who will look over the p unds of Fort Charlotte will see 
the soil, trees, and weeds of the fibre fields of Yucatan, with this differ- 
ence, that the soil there is more. stony 
Tue DIFFERENT Sorts OF AGAVES. 
There are several species of Agaves to be found in Yucatan, but as 
two only are of chief commercial value, I confine my report to wont two. 
The Henequen.—The kind of fibre piant growing in Yucatan, and 
known as the Sacqui or Henequen is a different and distinct rps 
from that of the Bahama hem . 
he. plant is hardy, and has, when irse an o life of 18 
endin rs” fro ; 
h ro to 
The leaf from which the fibre is extracted has a thorn at bd int, and 
spines on its edges, and averages 34 feet in length. 
The fibre of the plant is a while, but being inferior to that of the 
M Hemp is rated in the market at from 6/. to 84. per ton 
The Bahama Hemp.—The Bahama Hemp (Agave b bee var. 
sisalana) differs from the Henequen inasmuch as the leaves are 
i è : é fibre i E 
has an average life of 12 year ike the Henequen it S esie 
itself from suckers, but is also fie able of pone over 2,000 plan 
from the that grows from the centre of the plan 
The Bahama Hemp is found both in Yucatan, dits it is known 
i but i Iti 
same age would measure 3+ feet, and weigh 11 ounces o 
‘THe PLANTS TENACITY or LIFE. 
The Henequen and Bahama Hemp are the hardest of all the 
Agaves. ‘Their power to withstand drought is almost incredible. I 
have known plants of the Bahama Hemp to lie on the ground for 
three months, exposed to the rays of the sun, and when planted to grow 
with the greatest vigour. 
It has never been known for these plants to be troubled with sA 
organic disease. No fungus or insect can apparently damage or affec 

* At present date, 20th June, rated at 6/. lower. 
: o2 
