The fiber of Manila hemp or abaci is obtained from the fibrovascular bundles of the leaf stalks and is used in the form of scutching refuse and old rope. It is cultivated in the Philippine islands and has been introduced into the East Indies. The fibers are about 6 mm. long and .024 mm. in diameter. The yield of paper is about 50 per cent. It is used chiefly for wrapping, cable insulation and heavy envelope papers, which are known as "rope manila." [See Fiber plants.] Mauritius hemp (Furercra Man). Ana/ ryllidamr. Fig. 402.
This hemp is obtained from Mauritius and St. Helena, where it is prepared for export. It is native in Central America. The fiber of the fibrovascular bundles of the leaves is used for small cordage, in which form it is used as paper-making material. The fibers are 1.3 to 3.7 mm. long and .015 to .024 mm. in diameter. Other agaves also yield a suitable paper-making fiber. [See Fiber plants.] New Zealand hemp (Plvormium tenax). Liliacece. Fig. 401.
The fiber is obtained from the fibrovascular bundles of the leaves of this plant. It is native in New Zealand and Australasia, and is cultivated in New Zealand, and, to a small extent, in southern ..77. +rope. It is used in the form of old rope, twine and yarn, and is suitable for making strong wrap ping papers, though it is but little used. The fibers are soft and lustrous, 9 mm. long and .016 mm. in diameter. [See Fiber plants.] Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifbra). Urti caccw. Mitsumata (Edgewortkiia Gardncri).
Thymetceacece. Fig. 92. • The inner or bast fibers of these plants are used in Japan for making paper. The fibers are 6 to 20 mm. long and are soft and lustrous, and are not broken or cut in making Japanese hand-made paper. The fiber is prepared for paper-making by scraping, soaking and beating, and in the unbroken condition yields a paper of great tensile strength and softness. By treatment with oils, adhesives and colors, the Japanese make from these fibers papers which in their strength and resistance are ready substitutes for leather and cloth for some purposes. These fibers mixed with others are also used in Japan in making machine-made papers. Mitsumata has been introduced into this country by the United States Department of Agriculture. [See
page 72.] Pine (Finite species). Coniferm. Figs. 459, 462.
Several varieties of pine are used in paper-mak ing. White pine (Finns Strebus), long-leaf yellow pine (P. palustris), and grey pine (P. divaricata, Fig. 462) are coming into use for the preparation of pulp by the soda process. The fibers are .5 to 4.5 mm. long.
Poplar (Populus grandidentata, P. tremuloides). Salicacece. Fig. 730.
This is the preferred wood for use in the soda process and yields a soft, easily bleached white pulp. The tree is native in southern Canada, west ward to the Mississippi river, and south to North Carolina. The fibers are .45 to 1.2 mm. long, and .017 to .035 mm. in diameter. The yield of paper is about 52 per cent. Poplar wood is used chiefly in combination with sulfite and other good materials in making lithograph, book, writing and blotting papers. It is particularly suitable for giving an open texture, soft handle and bulk, resembling esparto in these qualities. Unbleached poplar is used alone or with sulfite, hemp or jute for wrap ping and cable paper.
Ramie (Boehmeria nivea). China grass. Urticacem. Fig. 394.
The bast fibers of the inner bark of this plant are used in the form of scutching refuse, spinning waste and rags, and furnish an exceptionally strong fiber suitable for the production of the highest grade papers, such as bank notes, which are subject to much wear and handling. The length of the fiber is 80 to 150 mm. and the diameter .05 mm. The plant is cultivated in China, Formosa and Japan for textile purposes, and recently has received a great deal of attention in India, Africa and in the United States, where it can be grown successfully as far north as Washington, D. C. [See Fiber plants.] Rhea (Boehmeria tenacissima). Urticacece.
This plant yields bast fibers somewhat like those of ramie, and is suitable for the production of strong papers for special purposes. The fiber is stiffer than that of ramie, which is a drawback to the use of the material. The fibers reach a length of 220 mm. in some cases. It is used in the form of scutching waste, spinning waste, and other materials. [See Fiber plants.] Sisal or (Agave rigida, var. elongata and var. Sisalana). Aniaryllidacece. Figs. 22, 399, 400.