646 
THE BUAZE. 
Chap. XXXI. 
A representation of the plant is given in the annexed woodcut, 
as a help to its identification. I was unable to procure either the 
flowers or fruit, but, as it is 
not recognised at sight by that 
accomplished botanist and 
eminent traveller. Dr. J. D. 
Hooker, it may safely be con¬ 
cluded that it is quite unknown 
to botanists. It is stated by 
the Portuguese to grow in 
large quantities in the Maravi 
country north of the Zambesi, 
but it is not cultivated, and 
the only known use it has 
been put to, is in making 
threads on which the natives 
string their beads. Elsewhere 
the split tendons of animals 
are employed for this purpose. 
Tins seems to be of equal 
strengfh, for a firm thread of 
it feels like catgut in the hand, 
and would rather cut the fingers than break. 
This is even yet more the case with the Conge, which, being naturally a 
harsh fibre, full of gums, wants exactly that powerful treatment which our 
process is calculated to give it, but which cannot be applied to such miniature 
specimens. We do not therefore consider this as more than half treated, its 
fibre consequently remaining yet harsh, and coarse, and stiff, as compared with 
what it would be if treated in quantity. 
Judging that it would be satisfactory to you to be in possession of the best 
practical opinion to be obtained on such a subject, we took the liberty of 
forwarding your little specimens to Messrs. Marshall, of Leeds, who have 
kindly favoured us with the following observations on them:— 
“ We have examined the samples you sent us yesterday, and think the 
Conge or aloe fibre would be of no use to us, but the Buaze fibre appears to 
resemble flax, and as prepared by you will be equal to flax worth 50/. or 60Z. 
per ton, but we could hardly speak positively to the value unless we had 
1 cwt. or 2 cwt. to try on our machinery. However, we think the result is 
promising, and we hope further inquiry will be made as to the probable supply 
of the material.” 
We are, dear Sir, 
Your very obedient servants, 
Pye, Brothers. 
The Bev. Dr. Livingstone. 
