( 6 ) 
the parent and planted direct in their permanent 
quarters. Bulbils can be supplied by the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture from time to time at a cost 
of one cent each; approximately 900 are required 
per acre. 
Planting and The most suitable soil is a fairly dry, 
Cultivation, permeable, sandy loam, containing a 
small amount of lime. Good drainage 
is essential as the roots of the plants are liable to 
be damaged by standing water. On poor soils, the 
plants make inferior growth, but are said to contain 
a larger proportion of fibre than plants grown on 
too rich land. Hilly land is well suited for sisal 
cultivation as it allows of easy drainage. It is not 
necessary to break up the land, but all undergrowth 
must be removed. Holes, one foot deep, are made 
in rows eight feet apart, six feet apart in the rows, 
which allows about 900 plants to the acre. Planting 
should be undertaken during the rainy season, all 
fibrous roots and lower leaves having been first 
removed to facilitate new growth. 
Systematic weeding is necessary throughout the 
period the crop occupies the land. Light tillage to 
a depth of three or four inches is recommended 
when the clearing is about one year old ; subsequent 
tillage is unnecessary. 
Harvesting. The period before harvesting varies; 
but, in - general, cutting commences 
within three years of planting out, or about four 
years from the planting of the bulbils in the nursery. 
Thb leaves, when ready for cutting, are removed 
close to the trunk, care being taken not to injure 
the younger leaves of the plant. The number of 
leaves which can be cut per annum varies consider- 
