[9] 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.
[10] Three liters equal 1 ganta.
[11] 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.
[12] Sabutan suckers may be purchased from several firms in Manila at ₱5 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.
[13] 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.
[14] Vol. I, No. 1 of the Philippine Agriculturist and Forester. A description of the plant occurs in Mr. A. D. E. Elmer’s leaflets.
[15] It is probable that the improved Andes stripper can be utilized in the cutting of pandan straws.
[16] Arrangements are now being made through the schools for the introduction of sabutan plants into the towns of Majayjay and Luisiana.
[17] Most of the information on “karagumoy” is taken from the report submitted to the Director of Education by Mr. Ralph E. Spencer.
[18] The average was obtained by measuring accurately a number of specimens of the species sent in to the Bureau of Education from various provinces