State journal & flag. [volume] (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) 1843-1846, 1846-12-11
WASHINGTON, Nov. Of, 1916.
To the Editor Of The Journal &. Flag:

10 INC EuHoF " me journal q rag
SIR have been induced, in conse.
quence of the request Of Senator Bagby to
write you in relation TO the cultivation of
the Bear Grass plant. My attention was
drawn TO this subject IN consequence of re-
ceiving some samples of the hemp made
from this plant, and also by conversations
with the Hon. Dixon Ii. Lewis from your
State, who drew my attention to the soil
and climate Of Alabama.
This plants indigenous to the South, and
bv The following extracts you will find of
easy cultivation, yielding an extraordinary
increase, and bearing good quality when
compared with Manila, Sisal, and Jute.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 90 1916.
SIR:-Your favor of the 18th is received, with
sample OF hemp. There is no doubt this hemp is
of the the same species of Manila and Sisal, and
has some resemblance 10 Jue.' There is no more
desirable article to this country than tins species
OF hemp and the consumption is daily increasing.
as it is admirably calculated for canal river, and all
internal purposes-no tar being nsed and the ar-
Gle floating. Manila hemp is now worth $3.50
per ton, 2240 pounds, but has lately risen from
$l37 50.'
NEW YORK, 9th Nov, 1916.
SIR We certainly think that there is no ques-
ton but that this article will favoraby compare
with Sisal hemp, and command price nearly
equal, and in every way possible may be preferred
from its fine texture. The great and increasing
consumption Of Sisal and Manila, both which ar
tices this Sample so nearly resembles, we should
consider lDducpment N The AYterna1
duction of it wherever it can be raised to advan
iage We shall be happy to receive the samples
as an experiment, and will endeavor TO promote
your object to the extent of our power.
P. S. Prices paid for Sisal hemp, $l35 per ton.
+" Manila. $50 +"
Sisal generally ranges from 1876 TO 1876 i"
Manila I" l40 TO $50 !"
A ton is 224O pounds"
PHILADELPHIA, 18th Nov, 1916.
SIR Il have good opinion in regard TO the
cultivation of Manila hemp at the South, and
should like to know where the sample came from
you sent me short time ago, in order, as far as in
my power to aid its growth"
GOV. CALLS EXPERIMENT IN FLORIDA.
" Six months growth will give plant a good
size, and the hemp from such plant will be as
long and possess guile as much strength those
made from plants OF greater age, but it will have
fewer leaves, and therefore produce less fibre. |
think il lair estimate that the Bear Grass after
1t is well rooted and in good growth, will produce
THREE GOOD CROPS FOR EVERY TWENTY FOUR
MONTHS. That it will require planting but once in
an ordinary life time, and with but little cultivation
will produce its abundant crops Of five six tons
per acre. Its preparati on for market is simple
and expeditions as its production is abundant !:
this has been sufficiently tested After boiling the
leaves and putting them up in small bundles of
convenient size for the purpose, have passed them
through an ordinary wooden sugar MILL dipping
them in water at each passage until the surplus
matter has been removed, leaving the fibre per-
fectly ceansed, unimpared and ready for use
From the success of the experiment., am satisfied
that with a machinery and boilers which would not
cost more than one hundred and fifty dollars, that
TEN hands and pair OF mules may prepare for use
at leas: FIVE or SIX TONS OF HEMP PER DAY."
You will peceive that the cultivation of
Bear Grass and preparing it for use is not
an experiment, but that it has been suf-
ficiently tested TO prove is practicabiitv.
The demand for Manila and Sisal, which
Bear Grass resembles, (the latter only
being Of better qualiiy) is daily increasing
its present amount imported is from ten to
twelve thousand tons-or $4,000 per
annum. The Bear Grass hemp can easily
be made to supersede these articles, and at
once opens new field to the planters of the
South. The Importance of the subject |
have no doubt you will at once sec, and
lend it all the aid in your power
Very respectfully your obed't serv't,
DAVID MYERLE.