XX 
THORNS 
253 
of macerated hemp are sometimes found in tlieir 
stomachs. 
Another useful, though spiny, member of the Agave 
family imported into East Africa is the Sisal plant. 
Agave rigida, a native of Mexico : it is cultivated for 
The Bow-string Hemp. 
The tips of the leaves are so sharp that they penetrate leather. 
fibre. These plants have long broad leaves, furnished in 
some species with a strong terminal spine : in others, the 
edges of the leaves are furnished with teeth. 
The Agaves are interesting because they can be propa¬ 
gated by suckers from the base of the stem, by bulbils 
