Washington sentinel., 1856-05-31

From the National Intelhgencer.
INTRODUCTION OF TROPICAL FL
BROUs PLANTS.
The reader may remember that some months
since we published a communication from Mr..
Wilson, of the Royal Botanic Garden Of Ja-
maica, who was then on visit to this city, re.
lative to the vegetable products Of tropical
countries which could be used for economical
purposes, but more especially such as were OF
fbrous character and well adapted for max
ing paper, cordage, cloth, and other textile
fabrics. Specimens Of the elaborated fbres
were exhibited by him to many Of our citizens,
and few samples left at the National Gallery
in the Patent Office building for future inspec-
ton. In carrying out his views Of introducing
the growth and cultivation of such plants In
the United States he displayed much commen-
dable and disinterested zeal, and left seeds OF
some of the kinds referred to with Mr.. Smith,
the superintendent Of the Botanic Garden in
this city, who entered with much spirit into
Mr.. Wilson's plans. Some of these seeds have
produced plants which, with careful manage
ment may serve to test the question as to
whether they may be naturalized' among US,
and it is desirable to determine rhere in our
widespread territory, and under what peculi-
arity of soil, temperature, and moisture, they
will come to the greatest perfection. We wish
particularly to call attention now to one species
of fbrous plant, commonly called China Grass,
Of which Mr.. Smith has few plants for distri-
button, which he would be glad to place in the
hands of proprietors Of botanic gardens in the
South, if they will apply to him through their
respective members Of Congress.
1t will be perceived from the above that the
Botanic Garden is carrying out the intention
upon which i, was chiefly founded, which was
to receive and cultivate such living plants as
we're introduced into the United States by
means of its exploring expeditions, and to dis
tribute its duplicates to such parts Of the coun-
try as would be suitable, and to such persons
as we're capable Of properly carrying on the
experiments. The knowledge and skill of the
superintendent, and the ardor with which he
conducts his operations, are deserving Of the
countenance and support of all parties, and it
is gratifying to know that his efforts are appre-
ciated and his labors spreading know
ledge of what is useful and love of what is
beautiful in his department.. We beg leave to
call attention to the following account Of the
China Grass, which has been supplied by a
scientific friend: - 44
China Grass.
This beautiful textile product has long been
known, although the precise plant from which
it was obtained was not certainly identified.
Full descriptions of the mode Of cultivation
and Of preparing the fibre had been translated
from the Chinese into various languages, and
it was also known that the plant belonged to
the nettle family, so famous for its 6brous pro-
ducts; for in the earlier history Of our own
country we find that the first settlers in the
West used the common nette at time when,
from their warlike mode of life, they were not
able to attend to the culture Of flax.
IL is now ascertained that the China grass
is obtained from the Behmerid Nired. Early
in the present century DR.. Boxburgh and
others endeavored to excite an interestin the
cultivation of this plant under the name of
Utica tendcissinad, name given on account OF
the great strength of the fibre. is also cul-
tivated in Java, under the name OF Rance,
from whence specimens OF the fibre and the
plant itself were brought by the Hon. j. Bales
tier, late Commissioner to Cochin China and
Siam. These specimens have been submitted
to the inspection of gentlemen conversant in
such matters, with the hope Of drawing atten.
ton to product Of so much importance. The
identity oil the China and Java plants is now
fully established, on the authority of Hooker
and others.
One of the striking features Of the great ex-
hibition Of 1851 at London was the display OF
this beautiful fibre in all stages Of pre- paration,
and of the goods manufactured from it. A
part Of this collection is now deposited in the
museum Of the United States Patent Office.
| Few ibres have greater reputation for
strength and beauty, and Of this no better evi-
dence can be given than the fact that, as i'm.
ported from the East, it sells in England a,
prices which have ranged from eco to as high
as fl20 per ton.
The Chinese books give full directions for
the cultivation Of the plant and the prepare.
tion Of its fibre. The seeds are sown In n
| light and moist soil, and when terminating,
| and some time after, secured from the scorch.
| ing effects of the suns rays. But afterwards
the more rapid mode Of propagation is from
| the roots and shoots which may be divided
and transplanted. The China grass is com
monty cut down for its fibre thrice in the year,
the first cutting yielding the cosrsest, and the
last the finest product Under favorable cir
cumstances it attains height Of eight feet
| from which fibre six feet in length may be
| obtained.
| There seems to be q reasonable hope thai
this valuable plant might be pro6taby intro
duced, and tho thanks OF the community are
due to the disinterested efforts Of the gentle
man who has taken the trouble Of rearing il
for the first time in this country.
If the culture should succeed, any further
information as to the mode OF treating III,
plant and its fibre, could be obtained on ap
plication to the Smithsonian Institution.
g. C. 8.