DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 283 



tion of the fiber is one of the reasons why the natives of many parts of India object 

 to the improved iron rollers now very generally employed in the expression of the 

 juice. It is noted that the dried material is not used as fuel or manure. 



Eefer also to " Bagasse" in the alphabetical index, where this subject is further 

 treated. 



" Specimens of Bagasse, Mus. U. S. Dept. Ag. 



Saccharum sara. 



Syn. S. ciliare and S. munja. 



Native names. — Sara-pat, Sarpatia, and Munja (Hind.); Sara (Hind and Beng). 



Northwest Provinces of India, especially the Panjalb, where it is sometimes planted 

 as a boundary hedge. 



Structural Fiber.— The Munj, or fiber, from this species is much valued on account 

 of its strength, elasticity, and power of resisting moisture, and is extensively employed 

 in the manufacture of rope, string, mats, baskets, and paper. Munj matting is said 

 to be proof against the attack of white ants. * * * SirJci is the light thatch used 

 in covering carts in wet weather, and is composed of the til, or upper portion, of the 

 flowering stem; the lower and thicker parts, called Jcdna, are used in the manufac- 

 ture of chairs, tables, baskets, and screens; also for roofing, for lining Kachha wells, 

 and for covering stores or grain. (George Watt.) 



The Kew Mus. collection contains many interesting objects made from the fibrous 

 portions of this and other species of Saccharum. Among these may be mentioned 

 ropes and twines, the fiber being valued for such uses on account of its elasticity, 

 strength, and power of resisting moisture. Mats are also shown, including a Sirkar 

 mat from Calcutta; also a necklace made from the straw, and half stuff for paper, 

 made from the culms. 



S. spontaneum is another Indian species that is employed for cordage, while S. fus- 

 cum is recorded as a Himalayan species, known in Hindoo as Killut or Tilluk, and 

 Pati-Tchori in Bengal. Of this species, George Watt states that the culms are used in 

 the manufacture of pens, screens, and light fences, the leaves and reeds for thatch, 

 and the leaf-sheaths, like those of most wild species of the genus, may be used to 

 supply the fiber from which the sacrificial thread is prepared. 



Saci, Sacci, or Sacqui=White agave. 



The form of sisal hemp which has its center of production in the northwestern 

 portion, or the district of Merida — Agave rigida elongata. This form furnishes the 

 principal bulk of the sisal hemp exported from Yucatan. See also Taxci. 



Safed-babul and Safed kikar (Beng. and Hind.). Acacia leucophlcea. 

 Safed-semal (Hind.). Eriodendron anfractuosum. 

 Sago palm. Metro xylon sagu. 



Sago is also derived from Caryota urens, Phoenix farinifera, Corypha gebanga, and 

 other palms that are valued for their fiber. 



Sagu (Peru). Areca catechu. 

 Sala (It.). See Gar ex paludosa. 

 Sala minore (It.). Typha angustifolia. 

 Salacia diandra. 



A genus of Hippocrateacew, containing some 60 or more tropical species, for the most 

 part abounding in India and the Asiatic islands, though found in other parts of the 

 world. They are erect or trailing evergreen shrubs, and are sometimes cultivated in 

 greenhouses. S. diandra is an East Indian species said to have been employed for 

 the native manufacture of ropes and cordage of great strength. 



