After scraping, the fiber is hung over bamboo poles to dry. When thoroughly dried, it is tied up in hanks and carried to market. In the warehouse of the exporter the fiber is sorted and graded and then packed in bales of 275 pounds. In this form it eventually reaches the cordage factory. With this description, let us sum up some of the elements entering into the quality of various parcels of hemp, which will be of interest as showing the task imposed upon the manufacturer in selecting the quality of fiber necessary to furnish rope of the required standard. It must be strongly impressed upon the mind that the fact that a certain rope may be honestly called “Manila” is no proof of its strength, durability or general value. [Illustration: COLLECTING THE STALKS STRIPPING AND SCRAPING DRYING--TYING IN HANKS FILIPINOS PREPARING MANILA FIBER] In the first place, there are some fourteen varieties of the _Musa Textilis_, presenting a like range in the quality of fiber produced. Then each process of gathering and preparation presents opportunities for deterioration: the plant must be cut at just the right time, and if, after cutting, the stalk is allowed to remain too long before it is stripped, the fiber is injured. We have already seen that quality is largely dependent upon the character of the knife used in cleaning and the care given to this operation. Likewise, for best results, the fiber must have proper care while drying. As all these operations are in the hands of people not noted for industry or carefulness, it will be easily understood that the resulting output contains but a small percentage of really first-class material. To get an idea of the wide range in quality of Manila hemp, we have but to refer to any broker’s list of offerings, which will show prices varying from six to thirteen cents, or in similar proportion. [Illustration: EXAMINING MANILA FIBER AT DOCK] For a number of years past prices of Manila hemp have ruled much higher than previously. This great increase in price has placed the rope manufacturer in a difficult position. He must either use a poorer grade of material in his goods or must raise his prices to a point which, to his customers, may seem excessive. The reluctance on the part of manufacturers to accept the latter alternative has led to the use of low-grade Manila, and to mixing Manila with inferior fibers (Sisal, New Zealand, etc.), to a greater extent than at any other period in the history of the industry. The Plymouth Cordage Company, however, has steadily held the opposing position, and has continually been on the alert to secure the grade of hemp necessary to maintain its long-established standard of quality. Not a particle of any other fiber has entered into our Manila rope.