The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-07-26

BEAR GRASS IN FLORIDA.
AT the request of the author make room for the fol-
lowing letter 1t contains much valuable information

AT the request of the author make for the fol-
lowing letter 1t contains much valuable information
! WAsHseros, July 10, 1855.
DEAR In compliance with your request take pleas
in setting forth the facts respecting the bear grass
! Florida.
You that for many have abored to bring
this plant into practical in connection with and other
gentlemen of your State have the satisfaction to be
that bids fair be realized
through scientific gentleman from Philadelphia who is
your State for the purpose Of carrying out his enterprise
the headwaters Of the ST. Johns and Indian river.
The above gentleman Dr. Swarbe has been experimenting
for several months various plants produce paper
msche Through my friend, the Hon. Thomas b. Florence
the House of Representatives directed his attention to
the bear grass Florida samples which, prepared in For
forwarded to him. and which proved satisfactory
for the purpose he intended that he fred his mind
the article and determined visit the State He took his
leave of last May for that purpose, and after examina
on found the article satisfactory that he returned to
Philadelphia make the necessary arrangements for carry
ing his enterprise, the necessary funds being raised in
Philadelphia through stock company. He parted with
works located Indian river.
The samples that he exhibited 70 showed perfect at
for the of cordage He also represented that the
corage manufacturers of the East invariably approve of it
for their purposes He designs using the largest leaves for
naval purposes and the refuse for "papier mache' He
further informs that the manufacturers have engaged all
he prepare several months Al the plant grows spon
great abundance he produce hundreds of tons
Dr. Swarbe promised, when parting to address giving
the progress he making. As not in possession
that nformaton from the fact that there has not been su
cient time elapsed TO obtain his report compelled to
limit my remarks this important subject have aso the
pleasure state that Senator Mallory has taken deep
est in the growth and preparation of kindred article the
"arguva plant" which is cultivated to limited extent at
Key West and which produces good article for cordge
and already in such demand is likely to all that
can be produced in many years
have been in correspondence with several machnists
Philadelphia New York, Connecticut and Boston, fg the
purpose of nyenng machine to convert this plant into
hemp These gentlemen have entered upon the experiment
with much spirit and ZEAL Senator Mallory having had
arguva leaves forwarded New York, have advised
machns of that fact with order to them for the leaves
and in reasonable time to receive report that
have succeeded in making machine adapted the
object.
happy believe that both Of these plants, arguva aud
grass destined add much to the wealth of your
State.
should have mentioned above that DR.. Swarbe designs
settling colony Of Germans in Florida to facilitate his oper
ations.
Hoping that this may prove interesting am, respectful
ly, your obedent servant DAVID MYERLE.
Hon. DAVID l.. YuLEE.