24 
Spoil says : — The inner bark yields a strong fibre, somewhat 
coarse, but capable of manufacture into cords, ropes, and mats.” 
LXXX. — Lavatera maritima (G-ouan). “ Sea Mallow.” 
Order Malvacem. West Mediterranean Region. 
A hardy evergreen shrub of quick growth. The fibre which 
is obtained by maceration for seven days is fine and silky, 3 to 4 
feet long, and easily prepared by scraping and heckling. 
Of its value Thomas Christy says : — “ Worthy of cultivation on 
a large scale for the very beautiful and excellent quality of its 
fibre. 
Savorgnan states that it is spontaneous in the environs of 
Nice, in western Liguria, in Sardinia, &c. Cortical fibre, 
tenacious, used for cordage. Abundant, and does not deteriorate 
in salt water. Adapted to coarse hemp cables and marine uses.” 
{Useful Fibre Plants of the World, Professor C. R. Dodge.) 
LXXXT. — Lavatera olbia (Linneeus). “Velvet Mallow.’^ 
Order Malvacece, South Europe. 
A quick-growing perennial. The stalks yield a beautiful 
fibre by macerating for a period of five to ten days. A well- 
prepared sample resembles white horsehair. Two, or even 
three, crops could be obtained in a year by good cultivation and 
liberal manuring. The second crop of stalks is fit for gathering 
ten weeks after the first cutting, when plants have become pro- 
perly established. 
LXXXII. — Lavatera triloba. (Linnjeus). “ Tiiree-lobed Tree 
Mallow.” Order J^Ialvacem, Spain. 
Time for maceration, ten days. The sample is a very poor one, 
as healthy branches were not obtainable. Fibre very easy to 
prepare, and not unlike that of L. maritima. 
LXXXIII. — Lepidosperma elatius (Labillardiere). “ Tall 
Sword Rush.” Order CyiHrace(B, Victoria, South Australia, 
and Tasmania. 
A tall species, very plentiful in mountainous districts, some- 
times attaining a length of 7 or 8 feet. Possibly a good paper 
plant. The fibre is not so strong as that of L. gladiatura, the 
“ Coast Sword Rush.” It is difficult of preparation, a remark 
which applies to most of the genera comprising the Orders 
Cy2)eracem and Juncacece, by reason of the large amount of silica 
contained in the cuticle of the leaves and stems. Process, boiling 
for 24 hours, then scraped, dried, and heckled. 
