11 



Comparing the lengths of the ultimate fibres, the Agave must be pronounced the superior fibre, where- 

 as chemical analysis shows the fibre constituents of the Gri-Grri to be the more stable, and this fibre is to 

 be preferred on account of its superior fineness. In discussing the subject of Phormium I have alluded 

 to the general inferiority of the Monocotyledonous fibres, and the causes structural und chemical. If 

 the above results be compared with the numbers there given, on the one hand, and with the analysis 

 of a high-class bast fibre such as flax, which is also given, or the native hemp of the Natal Colony 

 this class-similarity and inferiority will be the more emphasized. So also I have alluded to the ques- 

 tion of yield of fibre from the green raw material, and to the superiority of Phormium in this respect 

 to all other fibres of this class. In recommending any of the above fibres to the attention of West In- 

 dian cultivators, this question must be taken next in order; after which there comes the question of 

 the process of obtaining the fibre, together with those of supply and transport. Assuming a satisfac- 

 tory decision on these latter points, attention should be confined in each locality to one, or at most two, 

 of those which have been shown to be superior. Much time has been wasted by diffuse investigations 

 in the province of fibres, and the cause lies in the absence of recognition of the precise criteria of value. 

 It is quite certain that the conditions of European markets and manufactures are not such as to en- 

 courage any large increase in the number of vegetable fibres, more especially of the Monocotyledons. 

 The struggle is severe, and only the fittest survive. There is no necessity for the future that the 

 question of fitness should be left to work itself out. The application of criteria, now well established 

 enables us to make definite selections on the basis of superiority. 



The authorities in the several islands should decide generally that the growth and preparation of a 

 fibre is desirable, then a particular fibre — the best for each locality — should be selected, and the trade 

 in that fibre thoroughly organised. The importance of an organisation cannot be overestimated, and 

 in support of this we may cite the case of the trade in jute. There are, as we know from the results of 

 investigations, not a few fibres capable of replacing this particular bast, some in fact of the same class 

 being superior in all essentials. Nevertheless the trade in jute holds its own unassailed, and the cause 

 in so far as it does uot reside in intrinsic superiority and commercial fitness, must be sought in the 

 concentration of attention upon this fibre, and the resulting organisation of the trade. These facts 

 deserve to be borne in mind by all who are contemplating the founding of any such enterprise. 



In this report the subject can only be dealt with on general principles. In its special and local 

 aspects the matter has been made the subject of exhaustive investigation by Mr. Morris of Kew, during 

 bis residence in the West Indies, and an excellent account of the results of his work are given in a lec 

 ture delivered under the auspices of the Institute of Jamaica, February 5th, 1884, and subsequently 

 published. In this treatise there is a very full account of the MoDocotyledonous fibres, and the prac- 

 tical questions involved are very effectively handled. Under the guidance of the recommendations 

 therein given, and the results of scientific investigation of the isolate! fibres, there should be no difficulty 

 in arriving at clear decisions on the matter in its relation to the trade of the West Indies. 



Coming now to the second group of fibrous substances, the Dicotyledonous bast fibres, we find that 

 hitherto these have received but little attention in the West Indies, at least in regard to external com- 

 merce The conditions of the competition with India in this field have been, and are probably still too 

 severe for satisfactory commercial results. Into this question it is not for me at present to enter. 

 Amongst the exhibits there were only a few fibres of this order ; of these the following were selected 

 for investigation : — 



Mahoe. — A very good specimen of this bast was exhibited in the Jamaica Court : the strands were 

 about 9 feet in length, of a cream colour, clean, the fibres showing a fair degree of fineness and divisi- 

 bility. A second specimen, exhibited in the Trinidad Court, under the name Maholtine, was also- 

 analysed. 



The following are the results : — 



Mahoe. Maholtine. 

 Moisture ... 10.7 ... 11.5 



Ash 



1.6 



1.5 



Hydrolysis (a) 



9.8 



12.9 



(b) 



14.2 



15.4 



Cellulose 



73.8 



72.7 



Mercerising 



9.6 



9.0 



Nitration 



96.9 



94.4 



Acid purification 



3.4 



6 3 



Carbon percentage 



45.2 





Ultimate fibres. Length 



1-1 . 5 mm. 



1-1.5 



There can be no doubt of the identity of these fibres. This bast is in the main similar to jute, 

 superior in regard to resistance to hydrolysis, but apparently inferior in regard to the cellulose. These 

 specimens were isolated presumably from a well-aged, free-growing plant. The results would justify 

 an investigation of the modifications in the fibre, determinable by artificially modifying the conditions 

 of growth of the plant. Being one of the most widely distributed throughout the West Indies, and the 

 qualities of its fibre having been already tested by native applications, the question of a probable wider 

 application of this fibre is worthy of investigation. 



In addition to the Mahoe, which from its extensive distribution is presumably the most important, 

 specimens of the following have been analysed : — 



Pavonia Zeylanica, also a free bast, and capable therefore of textile application, and Sugar Bark 

 (Malvaviscus arboreus), Malva sylvestris, and Daphnopsis, the three latter appearing from the analysis 

 to be capable only of a possible application as paper-making fibres : — 



