< ;5 ) 
A decorticator can produce about 400 to 500 tons of 
fibre per year, representing leaves from 400 to 500 
acres, and one machine is sufficient for 1,500 acres 
in the case of Sisal. 
Fibres for export must be baled under pressure to 
save excessive freight charges. A suitable weight 
for bales of fibre is about 2 cwt., and the fibre should 
be pressed so that a ton occupies 70 cubic ft. 
Details of cost of factories for the extraction and 
baling of fibre can be obtained from the Department 
of Agriculture, F.M.S. and S.S. 
SISAL HEMP. 
( Agave rigida var. sisalana ). 
There is a large number of varieties of Agave 
(Sisal), but only three are in general use, viz., 
Agave rigida var. elongata (Mexican Sisal), Agave 
rigida var. sisalana, and Agave cantula. The last 
named is said to stand a higher rainfall, hence its 
success in Java. 
The sisal plant is propagate^ from the small plants 
known as “ bulbils ” that arise in the axils of the 
flower-stalks or from suckers from the rhizome ; the 
latter source is recommended. 
Nurseries. The bulbils or suckers are planted in 
nurseries, which should be tilled to a 
depth of about one foot, the beds being about four 
feet wide, with one foot paths between. The bulbils 
or suckers are spaced nine inches apart in the nursery 
beds. Shading is unnecessary and watering seldom 
required ; weeding, however, is important. The 
plants are generally kept in the nurseries for about 
one year. Suckers may also be detached from 
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