ALOE OF ECOIs^OMIC PLANTS. 13 



formerly, there being but few plants in the country, the report 

 of its being in bloom spread rapidly ; this accounts for the 

 latter part of the rather fanciful tale. The flower-stem grows 

 at a rapid rate, often 6 inches per diem, attaining the height 

 of 20 to SO feet, bearing numerous flowers. The plant, after 

 flowering, dies, but previous to this it throws up numerous 

 suckers, by which the species is propagated. In Mexico it 

 forms impenetrable fences, and is moreover of great importance 

 to the inhabitants, affording their national drink, "Pulq^ue," 

 which is obtained by cutting out the young flower-bud, when 

 the cavity becomes filled with liquor, which is collected daily. 

 It contains a large quantity of sugar, and after fermentation 

 an intoxicating spirit is made from it. The odour of the beverage 

 is disagreeable to Europeans, but the repugnance once overcome, 

 it is relished. 



There are many species of this genus yielding fibre, such as 

 A.fmtida and vivipara, the latter having a stem 2 to 4 feet high. 

 They are common throughout Venezuela, New Grenada, and 

 other parts of tropical America, being known by the name 

 Maguey. Their thick, fleshy leaves contain a large quantity 

 of strong fibre, the cleaning and preparation of which forms a 

 native occupation, and the fibre an important article of trade. 

 It is known as Pita thread, and is useful for making ropes, 

 mats, and for many articles of domestic use. The flower-stems 

 become dry and hard, and, containing sand, they make good 

 razor-strops, as do also those of A, ameHcana. Allied to this is 

 the genus Foiircroya, of which there are several species, all 

 natives of the same country as Agaves, their leaves yielding 

 fibre. The most remarkable is Fourcroya longeava, a native of 

 Mexico. Its stem rises 20 to 30 feet high, or more according to 

 ac^e, and is 12 inches in diameter, with erect arms or branches 

 near the top, each terminated by a crown of lanceolate glaucous 

 leaves. The flower-stem rises from the centre of the crowns 20 

 to 30 feet high, bearing numerous pale flowers. It forms a 

 peculiar feature in the landscape. Some years ago two plants 

 of F. vivipara formed conspicuous objects in the conservatory at 



