Fiber

See also Rattan

Palm fibers

The fiber, or coir, of the coconut, which is found in the husk or outer pericarp surrounding the nut, is emploj^ed together with the bark of forest plants, such as the bejucos or rattans, in the production of wrapping cord for fastening and reinforcing the bow cords, arrow points, sword handles, and elsewhere in weapon production.

Structural fibers, such as that of the abaca (Musa textills), a species of banana which grows in those sections of the Philippines that have no dry season and in districts hing below the typhoon belt, and the surface fibers, such as kapok or tree cotton and coir from the husk of the coconut, are useful in weapon manufacture.