86 TiMEHRI. 
regard to its permanent chara6ler and technical use, it 
is impossible to say definitely what its value would be, 
compared with other fibres. So far as opinions go at 
present they are favourable to its use, generally, as a 
new fibre, and it is probable that it would be susceptible 
of use as a fine cordage fibre if supplied similar to sample, 
whilst, assuming that it would yield itself readily to 
further preparation, it may also be found useful for 
various textile purposes. While not so fine in fibres as 
some varieties of Pineapple fibre, it is finer than others. 
Up to the present time Pineapple fibre has been 
mainly used for mixing, but its true position as a fibre 
will probably be approximate to that of flax or fine 
Italian hemp. Our Pra6lical Expert again urges the 
advisability of a shipment of a few hundredweights or 
tons being made by the Authorities in the colony, with 
a view of its being pra6lically tested in a6lual manu- 
fa6luring operations. 
I am, &c,, 
F. A. ABEL, 
Hon, Secretary and Dire6lor. 
Thomas Daly, Esq., 
Hon. Sec, Agric. and Commercial Socy. 
Georgetown, British Guiana. 
Mr. Quelch called attention to some samples of Crowa 
fibre, lying on the table, which had been prepared by 
Mr. R. Ward of the Botanic Gardens. From what he 
could gather it appeared that, contrary to his former 
opinion, the longest and strongest fibre came from the 
unspined variety. However, if the Government made 
their proposed experiment at Christianburg the question 
would be settled* 
