32 



AGAVE. 



Aztecs applied the Agave to many important uses. 

 From a paste of its bruised leaves they made a 

 paper more soft and beautiful than parchment. Its 

 thorns and fibres were needles, thread and cord- 

 age ; its fermented juice, pulque, an intoxicating 

 beverage, and its leaves thatched their houses. 



Prescott says : " The Agave, in short, was meat, 

 drink, clothing and writing material for the Aztecs. 

 Surely never did nature enclose in so compact a 

 form so many of the elements of human comfort 

 and civilization." 



The less massive plants are very ornamental for 

 the parlor, but require too much room for many 

 households. 



SOIL, TEMPERATURE AND VARIETIES. 



The Agave will flourish in any good sandy loam, 

 and endure much ill treatment as to water and 

 temperature, neither drouth nor heavy frost being 

 sufficient to kill them. The main care is to give 

 them but a moderate supply of water, to dust and 

 occasionally wash their leaves. 



They are propagated by suckers from the root. 



Agave Coccima, a massive species, deep green leaves, armed with 

 red spines. 



A. Ghiesbreghtii, leaves bright green, bordered with red, and 

 armed with red spines. 



A. Milleri, free growing, with long variegated leaves. 



A. Schcdigera, edges of leaves white, from which hang long 

 woolly filaments. 



A. Xalapensis, leaves dark green, the edges thickly set with 

 brown spikes. 



A. Xylacantha, leaves glaucous green, with broad white margin. 



