( 11 ) 
It was pointed out that small quantities would be 
more difficult to sell than larger quantities, as 
manufacturers would not care to touch it, unless 
they could get supplies on a fairly large scale, say 
1,000 tons. 
Fibre is extracted from the leaves by methods 
similar to those employed in the preparation of 
Sisal Hemp. The material is usually shipped in 
bales of four to five cwt. 
The chief objection to this plant is that it is an 
extremely slow grower ; on this account it is doubtful 
if it would pay to grow it commercially. 
MANILA HEMP. 
( Musa textilis). 
Manila Hemp is derived from the sheathing leaf- 
stalks of Musa textilis. The plant requires a loose, 
moist soil, rich in humus and well drained, and 
appears generally well suited to Malayan conditions ; 
it will not thrive on swampy land, or land liable 
to damage by surface wash. Manila Hemp is pro- 
pagated by means either of root cuttings, or more 
commonly from the suckers which arise at the base 
of the parent plant jj but sometimes it is grown from 
seed, the latter taking longer to reach maturity. 
Seed must be collected from fruits which have not 
become over-ripe. 
Planting. Plantations are usually established by 
means of suckers planted out wffien 
about three feet high and spaced 8 to 9 feet apart. 
Holes are made 2 feet each way and left exposed to 
the influence of the atmosphere for a time. Previous 
to planting, the holes are filled in with the rich 
surrounding soil. 
