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Cultivation. Subsequent tillage, beyond weeding, is 
unnecessary. The estate must always 
be kept free from lalang. Manila Hemp responds 
well to the application of potash and lime, particu- 
larly the former ; consequently, recently cleared 
jungle land is usually suitable for its cultivation. 
Harvesting. The stems are ready to be treated for 
fibre just before the plants begin to 
flower, when they are cut about a foot from the 
ground and the leaves removed. 
Each stem is then stripped into its component 
layers. The outer leaf-sheaths contain a coarser 
and stronger fibre than the inner, while the fibre 
from near the middle is of a fine silky texture. 
Inferior grades are suitable for paper manufacture. 
Preparation In preparing the fibre, each strip is 
of Fibre. taken by hand, and drawn between 
a blunt knife and a smooth board 
attached to a light frame. The fibre is then dried 
in the sun and packed in bales for shipment. 
The first crop is obtained two years after planting, 
and a full crop in the fourth year, plantations con- 
tinuing to yield for about fifteen years. The usual 
return is said to be from 600 to 850 lbs. of dry 
fibre per acre, from the fourth year ; but, with good 
cultivation, the yield could be increased; half a ton 
per acre is usually regarded as very satisfactory. 
Manila Hemp has been grown at the Kuala Lumpur 
Gardens for some time, and the results thus far 
obtained, on even comparatively poor land, are 
extremely promising. The original suckers were 
procured from the Philippines and represent one of. 
the commercial varieties grown there. 
