14 CIRCULAR 5 8 5, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



The cultural methods for this crop are discussed in this circular, 

 including the effect of rainfall and humidity on the harvesting and 

 cleaning practices. The fiber preparation has always been a hand 

 process in China which would make its culture in competition with 

 other fibers difficult outside the Orient in countries where hand labor 

 is not cheap. 



Approximately 100,000 long tons of this fiber are produced annually, 

 but a large proportion of it never leaves the Orient. Practically none 

 is purchased by spinning mills in the United States. Ramie fabrics 

 are imported into the United States and compete with flax linens in 

 doilies, luncheon sets, and similar articles. The fiber is one of the 

 strongest of the plant fibers and has great durability, absorbency, and 

 luster. With these characteristics ramie fiber would be valuable if 

 advantageousl}- utilized. 



