XII 
SISAL HEMP AND BLACK WATTLE 117 
as eminently satisfactory, more especially as some of 
the samples suffered in preparation. With regard 
to the yield per acre, it is early yet to speak with any 
certainty. In the Transvaal the yield of bark is put 
at from four to six tons. In Natal the average is 
somewhat higher. Mr. W. B. Jackson considers 
that a low estimate of our crop would be seven tons 
to the acre. Let us hope that he is not unduly 
sanguine. 
Before entering on a crop which requires so long a 
period to bring to maturity, the settler will naturally want 
to know what chance there is of over-production and 
consequent fluctuation of price. To this question it is 
not possible to return so positive an answer as to the 
previous two. An answer received early in 1911 from 
the Imperial Institute, in response to a query from our 
Agricultural Department, was guarded in tone, and 
showed a natural disinclination to indulge in prophecy. 
Two reasons for this reluctance are given, the former 
that chemical substitutes can be and are used if there is a 
shortage of bark, the latter that Germany is our 
principal customer, and that extensive plantations are 
in process of formation in German East Africa, to 
which preference will naturally be given. One signi¬ 
ficant fact stands out, however, and that is, that the 
increased production from Natal has had no effect 
whatever on the price, which has remained for five 
years at a very steady figure. A consideration of all 
the circumstances tends to the opinion that the larger 
the area under wattle, the more certain will be the 
demand, though conceivably there will be considerable 
fluctuations in the price. 
As regards the sale of timber, we look like being 
at a distinct disadvantage compared with Natal, since 
