( 13 ) 
Tpiis fibre might be grown by the small holder, since 
Manila Hemp is prepared by hand labour, and there 
would be little difficulty in securing a market for 
this well-known product. The- Department of Agri- 
culture, S.S. and F.M.S., will not be in a position 
to supply suckers for some considerable time, as 
all its material is at present required for large 
scale experimental purposes. It is estimated that 
fifteen suckers can be obtained per plant annually, 
and it is hoped that the Department will be able, in 
time, to supply a large number for planting purposes. 
Suckers can be obtained from Manila at a cost of 
a $190.00 gold per thousand, and the Department 
can furnish addresses of growers. Manila hemp is 
quoted at £31.10.0 per ton, September, 1923. 
ROSELLE FIBRE. 
Hibiscus sabdariffa, var. altissima. 
There are two varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa, viz. 
Victor and altissima. It is from the latter that 
Roselle Fibre is obtained. 
During the past two years a great deal of interest 
has been taken in this crop, the Department of 
Agriculture having distributed seed to nearly one 
hundred applicants, most of whom are cultivating 
it in a small way ; there are, however, a few estates 
where it has been taken up on a commercial scale. 
Roselle is well suited to Malayan conditions. As 
regards soil, it would appear to thrive best on 
friable loams, but it has been found to do well on 
soils varying from a sandy loam to a stiffish clay. 
Laterite lands are unsuitable. Well-drained flat 
land and gently undulating ground are equally 
suitable, but hill land is not recommended. 
$2 *0 / 7 ? 
