A large stock of the plantain can always be secured, without fear of its being injured by keeping.  The paper will be superior to that made of rags, and the process of making it will be more economical, inasmuch as the sorting of the material will not be required.  Another advantage is, that a new article of commerce will be opened for the benefit of the colonial shipping interests, and a stimulus will be given to the cultivation of a fruit which is the favorite food of large masses of the population.

The following is a “specification” of articles requisite for making three tons of prepared fibre in a day:—­

Four wooden boilers lined with lead, in the form of coolers, 7 feet deep by 6 in diameter.  One hydraulic press, from 400 to 500 tons.  One stout screw press, to compress the fibre before it is submitted to the hydraulic press.  One iron mill with horizontal cylinders.  Six waggons; twenty mules.  Utensils, such as spatulas, cutlasses, hoes, rakes, &c. &c.  One lever, to take out the fibre from the boilers.  One steam boiler, equal to 12-horse power, to steam the four wooden boilers.

It being very desirable that the works should be in the immediate neighbourhood of a river, the machinery should be worked by water-power; but if this mode should be inconvenient, a steam engine in addition must be obtained, of about 8 or 10-horse power; or if one steam engine of 20-horse power were employed, it would be sufficient for all purposes.  Thirty men are required to make three tons of fibre in a day.

Buildings.—­A store, 100 feet long by 25 feet broad, in wood, covered with straw, to contain the dried fibre and the presses.  One open shed of the same dimensions, covered with straw for the boilers.

Capital required.—­It is ascertained that the following outlay will be sufficient:—­

The materials will cost L2,000
Buildings 500
Purchase of land 1,500
Working capital 1,000
------
L5,000

The estimated expense in cultivating one quarree, or 5 1-5th English acres, in plantains, will be L30, as the work can be easily performed by one laborer in 300 days, at 2s. sterling per day.

A quarree will produce 18 tons of mill fibre, the cost of the preparation of which is as follows:—­

For workmen’s wages, soda, lime, and fuel, at L3 per ton L54
Freight to Europe at L4 per ton 72
Managers 30
Duty, insurance, office fees, &c., at L1 per ton 18
——­
L174

Thus, making the total expense of producing 18 tons of fibre L174, or L9 13s. 4d. per ton.  In 1848 Manila rope, or plantain fibre of good quality, was worth L38 per ton.

A correspondent in Jamaica, who has devoted much attention to the subject, has furnished me with some very valuable detailed information, the most complete and practical that has ever yet appeared:—­