The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1905-12-21

Themselves With Sharp Spines From
Ravages of Stock-RemarkablyF Free
From Insect or Rodent Attacks.
Many thousand acres of land in the
northern states Of Mexico are being
planted in the ''Zapupe" fiber plant,
says special dispatch from City of
Mexico, Mexico, to the st. Louis Globe
Democrat Many thousands of dollars
of American capital has been invested
in this new industry during the past
few months. The new plant promises
to become as noted in the fiber mar
kets Of the world as are heneQuin anu
manila
The fiber Of the Zapupe has been en-
ployed by the Indians for hundreds Of
years in the manufacture of variou.
crude articles, ropes, bags, fish nets.
etc. Since foreigners took it up it has
been found to possess many points OF
advantage over other fiber bearing
plants, a tract planted for experiment
having given far more than expected
results The fiber has been submitted
TO experts in New York, and most fat
tering reports have been received.
In appearance the Zapupe leaf is SIM
liar to the leaf Of the henequin, which
made millionaires in Yucatan and Cam
peche. However, it is not 50 feshy
and good dead longer. Henequin will
give more fiber to the leaf, but not to
the plant. The fiber should be white,
highly flexible and strong. One Of the
greatest advantages Of zapupe fiber in
making ropes is that these ropes do not
readily kink or mildew when exposed
TO moisture, giving them the quality Of
cunning smoothly through pulleys and
other tackle.
Leaves may be cut from the zapupe
the third year after planting, most 9th
or fiber plants requi ring from FIVE to
seven years. For two or three years
the plant will give over 100 leaves per
year, but the number gradually drops
60 about eighty, and this number is re-
tanned for fifteen years consecutively
Each plant will yield annually from
two to four pounds, dependent upon
the conditions and care given the
plants The fiber experts estimate that
the fiber is worth from to cents,
gold, per pound. Estimates made at
the City of Mexico and based on the
price of labor give the cost Of produc-
ton, including delivery to shipping
wharfs, at from 2 to 3 cents per
pound.
Scions are planted about six feet
apart, making it possible to raise
slightly over 1000 plants to the acre.
When the field is about twelve years
between the old plants, and by the
time the latter have ceased to bear q
new growth of plants is in bearing
condition These leaves are cut four
times year, each plant yielding an
average Of twenty or twenty-five
leaves at the cutting.
During the first two years the zapupe
plantation has to be kept clear OF
weeds, which might stop the growth
of young plants. After this the shade
Of the plants is enough to stop the
growth of weeds. The leaves are pro-
vided with sharp spines, which insure
them from the ravages of stock.
Machinery can be had at a cost of
from $500 to $4,000 gold The cheaper
machines are capable of cleaning about
1900 leaves i'm ten hours, while the lat
ter will take care of 100000. While
it is a very hardy plant, the zapupe
does best On sandy soil which is high
enough to be well drained. Shady and
wet locations are fatal to it's growth.
From October to March, the dry sea-
son, is the best for planting, as vege-
tation is not so rank owing to lack OF
rain. Drought is not apparently in
furious to the plant, Or a heavy rain
Sau. Zapupe is also remarkably free
xror1 insect or rodent attacks.
Scions for planting cost from ~ cents
20 3 cents, Mexican money, each, vary
ing according to size and quality of
the scion. Land suitable for zapupe
plantations can be had for from So to
IS, Mexican currency.