'•uhiv.il ion. ni . h; tin opinion of many, the full area that >;ich • ■ 1 1 1 1 i \ at ion 

 will require ; the port of export being Progreso. 



A hemp plantation lasts for some 15 years, a> a -> n.i.tl c.ilcul.-ttion ..n 

 the basis of production, for each mecate, of 100 lbs. From time of 

 planting out of suckers until they produce five years, as a rule, are 

 required. On good land the crop commences in four years or earlier, 

 whilst 1.11 rockv ground from six years or more. These calculations are 

 l.aseil oa file planting out of suckers under the same conditions in both 

 kinds ol'grouud. with plants of from 1 S inehes to 20 inches long. Hemp 

 planted on fertile land produces less weight of lihre. although it is 

 longer ami liner, because on rocky soil the roots run along the surface, 

 instead of penetrating into the ground. 



As generally recognised there are seven classes of this agave, of which 

 only two are cultivated, which are easily distinguished and bear their 

 native names, first, " Sacqui," or white hemp, from the fact that the 

 leaves in sunlight appear silvery, the leaves being light green, ami 

 second, " Yaxqui," or dark green leaves. The first named is the kind 

 aliuo-i entire!) cultivated here, then- being a very small proportion of 

 the second, and this principally in the eastern part of the State. The 

 remaining classes known are not used, having very small leaves and little 

 fibre. 



Although new plants are being continually placed with the old ones, 

 it is considered that no miles will be cultivated. 



ng out. The only chance of a larger 



xtremely 



ilifliciili, owing to the great heat of the climate. It is not considered 

 that, the utmost, production at. one time in this State will exceed 

 400,000 bales to 450,000 bales, of Irom 350 lbs to 37"> lbs., As there 



1892 - - - 340,0001 



310,000 

 340,000 ~| 

 360,000 ( 



1894 - 380,000 f 

 1895 400,000 J 



The above calculations are based on the new plantations that will 

 begin to produce year by year. 



It must be borne in mind that the plant here has long, strong 

 leaves with thorns on both edges, and a sharp point at the end of the 

 leaf. 



The plants can be produce.! from seels, but this system is never 

 used here, being extremely lengthy, suckers being always used. 



of labour, buildings, machinery, &c. ? 

 The great increase of expenses in production during the hemp fever 



of 1888-89, when this fibre iv ached the fabulous price of 14 c.J to 15 c. 

 per lb. (it being calculated that the cost of production, packed and 

 delivered, in the port of Progreso is about 3* c. to i c per lb.), have 

 been but partially reduced since, so that at the present time it can be 



* The utmost. 



f The value of the Mexican dollai but the average 



