( 4 ) 
on the market; and in the Philippines, from which 
the greater part of Manila hemp is derived, a 
Government grading staff exists for this purpose. 
The establishment of such a staff would only be 
justified if large areas were grown. 
Sisal and Mauritius hemp can be prepared by 
retting, but the fibre is usually extracted in special 
decorticating machines, since the decorticated fibre 
is said to be stronger and better. Consequently it 
is necessary to establish large plantations, in order 
to run a factory economically. Since the proportion 
of fibre in the leaves is only three to four per cent., 
it is not economical to transport the leaves for a 
long distance to central factories. Manila hemp and 
Roselle fibre are prepared by hand, and small areas 
can be cultivated economically. 
Fibre machinery can be purchased from the follow- 
ing firms: — 
Messrs. Marshall & Cq., Gainsborough, England. 
Messrs.- Robey & Co., Ltd., Lincoln, England. 
David Bridge & Co., Castleton Iron Works, 
Castleton, Lancashire, England. 
Ernest Lehmann, 8, Chatham Buildings, 
Chatham Street, Manchester, England. 
Prieto Machine Co., Inc., 45, Broadway, 
New York, U.S.A. 
A complete plant for fibre extraction consists of a 
decorticating machine, crushing rolls for thick and 
hard leaves, a brushing machine and a baling press, 
with necessary prime mover in the form of a steam, 
oil or gas engine or motor, shafting, belting etc., 
and a building of a suitable size. 
