254: 
stems. The latter continue growing and flowering until the end of 
August, blossoms showing on the tips ines the seed eapsules beneath 
are fully developed. By this time the stems have attained a height 
of 9 to 12 feet, with a circumference n the base of from 2 to 3 
inches, and with branches sperme some 3 feet from the ground. 
e stems, which are green and supple throughout, are harvested before 
ihe seed capsules have changed colour, that is, before green has given 
place to brown. 
Harvesting. 
They are троско up by the roots, the adhering soil being removed by 
beati st the nearest stone, and where I saw the stems harvest ed, 
the roots ings deeem washed in a pond close to the field. 
Decortication. 
Two required to remove the peel. One takes hold of the 
eee by | its Баа. the other seizes the stem below the first branch 
between two rounded pieces of wood about a foot long and from three 
to four inches in circumference, tapering somewhat towards the end so 
as to provide a firmer grip for the hands. ‘The first workman pulls the 
stem through the two pieces of wood which crush it, separate the peel 
from the central woody matter, and remove the root. The plant is then 
that has not meantime fallen to the ground is brushed away b hand, 
market, 
Uses. 
Such is the treatment which the plant receives when the fibrous к 
is to be made into cordage; but, when it is to be manufacture ; 
The efits gnus luxuriantly on the Et ; but I have also seen it 
шеме at ап altitude of over 1,300 fee 
* 
(Signed) PR Hos 
H. B. M. Consulate, Maton Acting Consul. 
January 26, 1891 
Royat GARDENS, Kew, to FOREIGN Orrice. 
Sm, Royal Gardens, Kew, May 5, 1891. 
I am desired by Mr. Thiselton Dyer to ackno wledge the receipt 
of your letter of the 25th March enclosing copies “of despatches, in: 
original, received from the Acting British Consul at Wenchow, on: 
certain ane lants. 
2. The specimens illustrative of Mr. Hosie's reports have since — i 
received at Kew, and poe re all of "er des, character. The- 
| specimens referred by Mr. Hosie “ to a of Abutilon" at 
“called in the Ar да of Wenchow š Ma,” have’ proved 40 
