Hemp.—The fiber of this plant closely approaches flax in strength but not in luster. It is used to a very limited extent in drapery textiles and cheap carpets. The waste fibers are also known as tow, and sometimes used in place of flax tow.
Jute.—A plant, grown chiefly in India, the lustrous fiber of which is used to a considerable extent in the manufacture of cretonnes, damasks, and other decorative textiles.
Ramie.—This plant, also known as rhea and China grass and cultivated chiefly in China, yields a fiber of great strength and a luster about like that of mercerized cotton. It is used in the manufacture of grass cloth, and also of ramie velvets, which are firm but less lustrous than linen velvets.
Kapok.—A tree cultivated in Java for the production of down; called in commerce kapok or "silk-cotton." Before the commercial development of rayon it made considerable headway as a textile fiber, but now is used chiefly as a stuffer for mattresses and pillows. Kapok has great resiliency and resistance to water.
Palm fiber.—Shredded leaves of the palmetto, used as a stuffer in upholstering.
Moss.—The hairlike filament left after the soft outer tissue of southern moss has been removed; used as a stuffer.
Coir.—Fiber prepared from the husk of the cocoanut; used in making porch rugs and brush mats.
Paper.—Spun into coarse threads and used in the manufacture of so-called fiber rugs.