The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-10-21

on good soil from wellstocked field pounds Of fibre
annually for each fory-eght square feet Of ground
ing to s5i5 pounds OF fibre per from this amount
abduction OF 20 per cent should be made for ave-
nues through the field On sterile soil the plants viii not
grow rapidly to SO large a size good SOIL and
not more than one-haf Of this estimate can be expected
On grounds impegnated with water the plants Of
slower growth and produce weak fibre
No particular season Of the year requisite for planting
or eutng bot either can be done any time suit the
convenience Of those engaged 10 the business
The primitive mode Of separating the pulp from the fibre
has been to bruse the leaves then place them board
elevated at end scrpe the pulp from the bre with the
edge Of bar Of bard wood iron sometimes maeeraton
in water waterroEg adopted previous 10 scrap
ing. (Sce Rus Encyclopedia Art, Agaye.) This pro-
is s employed In Yncatan, though water-rotng has
been abandoned the putieactye fermentation Of 50
large emount Of succulent pulp injured the strength Of
the fibre
Several machines have been invented for separating the
pulp the fibre which have proved TO be improbable
to work have patented machine for working by hand
after the leaves have been crushed by rolling which works
to very good profit and have made drawing OF power
machine which, from my present experience in cleaning
the fibre am confident win work with rapidly and not
require any previous preparation Of the leaf also learn
that machine has been recently made which, am happy
hear works we'll but to what profit il is not yet aseer-
tanned
composing the pulp and thereby facilitating its separation
from the FIBRE Hemp prepared in this way has been pro-
nounced Of superior quality by dealers in the article BY
thoroughly rolling the leaves, the pulp becomes much
oOsened from the fibre be easily separated afterwards
The fibre when well prepared is seyiceable for all pur-
poses for which Manila IS applicable viz for cordage for
all running rigging for vessels for baggngthe Cuba coz
fee sacks are made Of and for paper stock Its value
generally about one cent per pound below Manila the
latte inp from In nd
from to 10 cents
The indigenous species differs principally from the Hene-
ken in being OF smaller size 1t Is about twothrds the
sizs of the latter
The Peta indigenous Yucatan, is less than half the
size of the Heneken Its leaves serrate and OF
blush color. It's fibre is very soft and white and well
adapted for the Manufacture Of fabrics for clothing lines
for fishing twnes and cordage and superior either
the others for Iapc- stock.
The Maguey from tie juice Of which the Mexicans make
their pulque is indigenous Mexico and Central America
twill endure frost than either of the other species
its leaves serrate than the ieneken pulp more
eshy and succulent is Of but little no value for its
FIBRE
In addition to these plants the yucca flamentoso, or
bear grass, Of Florida, produces valuable fibre
The musa exts species of plants belonging TO the
order musacea pantain family, which produces the
Manila hemp could Doubtless be grown some extent in
this State.
The New Zealand hemp, which is said 10 he stronger
than any other, be grown far north Virginia.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the
finances shows that for the year ending june 3oh 1853
Mana Sisal hemp, &C., imported to the value of
$3.50 332 which 20 per duty paid besides the
expenses of shipping before the hemp reached the hands
the consumers.
by due attention to the culture and preparation Of the
bras Of such plants well adapted soil and
climate need not be dependent other countries for
supplies Of this necessary article
Trusting that the enterprise will command the attention
ofthcpubc am with high respect your obeient servant
GEORGE ID. ALLEN.
Hon s. Il. MALLORY.