2 BULLETIN 1278, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
small quantity, is obtained from Yucatan and Campeche ; the sisal 
principally from Java, East Africa, and the Bahama Islands; the 
abaca and maguey from the Philippine Islands ; the istle from Mex- 
ico ; and the phormium from New Zealand. 
During recent years, because of unsettled conditions both on the 
plantations and in the world markets there has been considerable 
variation in the relative quantities of these different fibers used for 
binder-twine purposes. For a long period, however, Yucatan hene- 
quen has been the principal fiber used for the manufacture of binder 
twine. 
During the 10-year period, 1911-1920, the average annual imports 
of henequen and sisal into the United States were 163,703 tons, 
valued at $28,507,956. The greater part of this fiber was used for 
the manufacture of binder twine, and for many years more than 90 
per cent of the combined total imports has been henequen. 
From 1915 to 1921 the available supply of this fiber was irregular, 
there was great fluctuation in the price, and the market was very un- 
settled. Since January 1, 1922, the production, although much less 
than that of earlier years, has been fairly regular, and a stable price 
has been maintained. 
Even with a gradual improvement of conditions in Yucatan, there 
is likely to be a shortage of henequen fiber for several years. Since 
there is no probability of any marked decrease in the world consump- 
tion of binder twine, any shortage in supply of henequen fiber must 
be met by an increased production of other fibers suitable for binder- 
twine purposes. 
IMPORTANCE OF HENEQUEN IN YUCATAN 2 
The production of henequen is by far the leading industry of 
Yucatan. In value this fiber constitutes about 85 per cent of the total 
exports, the others of importance being chicle gum and hides. 
Both soil and climatic conditions are peculiarly well adapted to the 
cultivation of henequen, whereas they are ill adapted to the cultiva- 
tion of most of the other staple crops of the Tropics. Under these 
circumstances the maintenance of the henequen industry in a prosper- 
ous condition is a matter of vital importance to the people. 
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 
The climate of Yucatan is tropical, the lowest recorded tempera- 
ture being 48° F. The precipitation is relatively low, approximately 
30 inches per annum, and there is a long dry season. These condi- 
tions are favorable for henequen, although occasionally during an 
exceptionally long dry season even this hardy plant suffers some in- 
jury. It would be difficult to find any other staple tropical crop so 
well adapted to the climatic conditions of the northern part of the 
State. 
SOIL CONDITIONS 
In the area utilized for the production of henequen the surface is 
relatively flat, slightly rolling, and somewhat broken. The soil is 
2 This report is based on field investigations made in Yucatan and Campeche during 
June and July, 1923, by II. T. Edwards, who wrote it immediately upon his return. 
Important changes have taken place since. 
