BINDER-TWINE FIBER IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. 9 
It is possible that the introduction of cleaning machines will do 
more to improve conditions on the maguey plantations than any other 
work that can be done. The planters who are investing their capital 
in large modern machines will naturally be interested in their profit- 
able operation. In order to operate them profitably a large and 
regular supply of good leaves is essential. The quality of leaves 
required for the most successful operation of the machines can not 
be produced without the introduction of improvements in methods 
of production. This fact has already been demonstrated where Gov- 
ernment machines have been operated, and it will be more generally 
and more clearly understood now that machines are being purchased 
and operated by the planters themselves. 
PURPOSE OF THE COOPERATIVE WORK WITH THE PHILIPPINE 
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE. 
During the calendar year 1916 it was proposed that the United 
States Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Bureau of 
Agriculture engage in cooperative work to encourage the increased 
production of binder-twine fiber in the Philippine Islands. 
The plan of this proposed cooperation, which was subsequently 
approved, was based on the following essential considerations : 
(1) That binder twine is now an article indispensable to practically all 
American grain growers. 
(2) That more than 80 per cent of the binder twine now manufactured in the 
United States is made from henequen ( Yucatan sisal ) . 
(3) That the dependence of the American farmers and manufacturers on 
this one source of supply of binder-twine fiber is a serious danger to American 
agriculture. 
(4) That it is extremely desirable that binder-twine fiber be produced in 
increasing quantities in territory under the control of the United States. 
(5) That there are in the Philippine Islands extensive areas having conditions 
of climate and soil suitable for the production of maguey and sisal and these 
plants are already widely distributed in the Philippines. 
(6) That the production of binder-twine fiber in the Philippine Islands can be 
increased by the use of modern methods such as have made the industry profit- 
able elsewhere. 
(7) That without the use of adequate machinery for extracting the fiber the 
industry can not be profitably and extensively developed. 
(8) That the most important activities of this cooperative work should be 
the purchase, installation, and operation for demonstration purposes of fiber- 
cleaning machines of types regarded as best adapted to the needs and conditions 
in the Philippines and the distribution to the growers of approved types of 
plants. 
(9) That the expenses, estimated at $40,000 per annum, be borne jointly by 
the Government of the United States and the Government of the Philippine 
Islands. 
(10) That this cooperative work should ultimately result to the advantage of 
the United States by increasing the production of binder-twine fiber in the Phil- 
17949°— 20 2 
