398 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 May, 1898. 
four to six leaves, that the remaining ones may be well off the ground, then 
pinch out the top, leaving not more than fourteen leaves, though most good 
‘growers prefer twelve leaves. All the plants will not be ready for topping at 
once, and a second topping will be necessary, when every plant should 
be topped if it should have only six or eight leaves. Suckers must not be 
allowed to grow, but taken off as soon as they appear; for if allowed to grow 
they seriously damage the tobacev. The above is necessary in order to have 
the field ripen evenly, and this again is necessary to get a good cure. 
In all the work done in geiting out the crop and subsequent work, the 
idea should be to have a field of even growth, that all may be harvested at once. 
An important matter for the farmer to remember is not to overcrop himself, 
and to know that two acres of tobacco properly looked after will yield as man 
‘pounds and more shillings than four acres that have to be neglected ; and that 
a plant topped at twelve or fourteen leaves will weigh as much as one of twenty 
leaves, and not so many leaves to sucker and to look after. More pounds and 
a better product, more shillings and less labour, will be the result if these 
instructions, taken with those given in the articles on plant-beds and curing, 
are faithfully followed. 
Kainit is recommended to be sprinkled about the foot of the plant to keep 
off the cutworm. | : 
RAMIE FIBRE (RHBA). 
Tue Department of Agriculture has received from the Rhea Vibre Company, 
Limited, London, a very beautifully got-up sample case of articles manufactured 
from the fibre of the Rhea (China-grass), of which so much has been lately 
written in the Agricultural Press all over the tropical world. 
The samples forwarded show to what various uses the fibre of this plant 
ean be put. The materials are most beautiful, both in appearance and work- 
manship, and range from coarse canvas to the finest silx-like productions. 
First, we see the rough Rhea ‘‘cane” as it appears cut from the plant and 
dried ; then the bark as it leaves the decorticating machine. In an adjoining 
compartment is seen the cleaned fibre, called “ filasse,’’ looking like floss siik 
or white silk from the cocoon of the silkworm. Next we have hanks of 
variously coloured thread, which leads to the fabrics made of it-—such as Rhea 
plush, 80 inches wide, soft and thick; Rhea velvet prints, 29 inches wide. 
There is also some very fine lacework of the same fibre, which is well set off by 
lying on a couch of rich red plush. The adaptation of the fibre to various 
uses is well exemplified in a pair of soft, elastic ladies’ stockings. The case 
also contains cretonnes, curtains, tapestry, &c.; but the most beautiful of all 
is the embossed Rhea plush, whose beauty is well set off by a square of Rhea 
sailcloth. Canvas cloth, damask tablecloth, striped cotton flannelettes, silk 
dresses (red, pink, and figured), complete the list, and show conclusively that 
Rhea can be made to take the place of silk, cotton, jute, hemp, and similar 
fibres. There is doubtless a great future before this industry. If cheap and 
effective machinery can be employed to clean the bark, there is no reason why 
Queensland should not take a large share in the production of this easily 
grown plant. The Department of Agriculture have a small area growing at 
the Cairns State Nursery, and a limited number of plants will be available for 
distribution. In Vol. I., Part 5 (p. 391), of this Journal, will be found full 
particulars respecting the cultivation, manufacture, uses, and market value of 
the fibre. | 
