by
considerable underbrush. The patch, according to the statement of the
old man was older than he could remember; the age of the guide was,
perhaps, between sixty and seventy years. The flowers were odorous
and covered with small brown insects almost hiding the inflorescence.

[13] Plain double pandan mats, the material of which resembles sabutan,
are imported from Singapore and sold by Chinese storekeepers in
Manila in large quantities. They are roughly made and the fact that
they are double permits the unfinished edges to be turned under and
sewed down with coarse red cotton twine. They sell for a little less
than the plain, single, Tanay sabutan mats with finished edges.

[14] It is very difficult to obtain definite information with exact
figures. These statements were made by a woman expert in weaving mats,
and owing to the frank answers to the questions put, her information
seems more reliable than that of the usual weaver interviewed. Other
persons state that from two to six leaves are taken from a plant
every month.

[15] Three liters equal 1 ganta.

[16] Sabutan lends itself easily to the fabrication of pocketbooks
useful as purses, card-cases or cigarette-cases. From it can also be
made very pretty, strong, durable and useful handbags. The weaving
of both of these articles has been taken up in the schools of Tanay,
but it is not as yet commercial in the town. Sets consisting of a
handbag and a pocketbook in the same color and design are attractive.

[17] Sabutan suckers may be purchased from several firms in Manila at
P5 per hundred, freight prepaid. In shipping, the plants are packed
in baskets so that they can be easily handled. It is believed by
persons who have received shipments from this source that the plants
will remain in good condition out of the ground for a week or more
during shipment. Hence it is not advisable for places more remote
than one week from Manila to order any of these plants. For further
information see Circular No. 82, s. 1911, Bureau of Education. It is
probable that suckers can be obtained from the cultivated plants in
about a year after they are set out.

[18] At this writing no data are at hand as to the preparation
of sarakat straw, but it is probably made simply by drying. It is
possible that much stronger and more pliable straw could be obtained if
a process such as is used in the preparation of sabutan were followed.

[19] Vol. I, No. 1 of the Philippine Agriculturist