462 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL, [1 Dec., 1897. 
Sisal Hemp (Agave rigida). 
In our last article on the subject of Sisal Hemp, several varieties of the plant 
were described. Four especially were noted as producing the sisal hemp of 
commerce, viz. :— 
1. Agave rigida, var. elongata ; 
7) » | 9, Ssisalana; 
8. 4, LHeteracantha. 
The fourth is not really an Agave. It is grown in Mauritius, where it is 
known as the Green Aloe (Feurcrea gigantea). This plant is found in 
abundance in various parts of Queensland. Its fibre is of great commercial 
value, but not so great as that of the true Agave sisalana. To the ordinary 
eye there seems little difference between the two plants, but this may be seen 
by placing two plants or leaves together. Our illustration shows the former plant 
taken from specimens growing in the Brisbane Botanie Gardens. Any person 
having the intention of trying its cultivation should not plant indiscriminately 
whatever Agave he can pick up in his district, but should apply for plants to the 
Department of Agriculture, and submit any other plants he may propose 
growing, to the Government Botanist. 
