Agave Americana

This plant is commonly known as American aloe,

but it is not a member of that family, as it claims kindred with

the _Amaryllis_ tribe of plants. It grows naturally in a wide

range of climate, from the plains of South America to elevations

of 10,000 feet. It furnishes a variety of products. The plants

form impenetrable fences; the leaves furnish fibers of various

qualities, from the fine thread known as pita-thread, which is

used for twine, to the coarse fibers used for ropes and cables.

Humboldt describes a bridge of upward of 130 feet span over the

Chimbo in Quito, of which the main ropes (4 inches in diameter)

were made of this fiber. It is also used for making paper. The

juice, when the watery part is evaporated, forms a good soap (as

detergent as castile), and will mix and form a lather with salt

water as well as with fresh. The sap from the heart leaves is

formed into pulque. This sap is sour, but has sufficient sugar and

mucilage for fermentation. This vinous beverage has a filthy odor,

but those who can overcome the aversion to this fetid smell

indulge largely in the liquor. A very intoxicating brandy is made

from it. Razor strops are made from the leaves; they are also used

for cleaning and scouring pewter.