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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 6

3. Esparto.—

3. Esparto.—

It is evident from the mode in which this grass (Macrochloa tenacissima, also known as Alfa) is collected in Mediterranean countries that the supply must eventually materially diminish, if it does not altogether die out. It grows sporadically in strong ground under conditions which do not admit of any steps being taken for its cultivation. Mr. Routledge writes in the early part of last year:—"I have just had two large cargoes of Alfa from Tripoli, and the rapid deterioration of this comparatively new district is striking; the grass when first it was introduced was long and strong; now some of it is as fine and short as the shortest Spanish. I have a quantity varying from 6 to 10 inches only. It is the inevitable result of overcropping."

Esparto is consequently becoming relatively scarcer in the market, while its price is rising. Paper manufacturers arc therefore anxiously on the look-out for some material equal in quality to esparto and procurable with as much facility, and at as reasonable a price as esparto was when first introduced.