CHAGNAR FIBRE

A strong leaf fibre, yielded by the Bromelia Serra in Argentine and used for making cordage, bags, ham mocks, etc. Also the Mataco Indians made a sort of cuirass from the fibres and wore it as a defence when at war. The cuirass was padded before and behind with cotton from the fruit of the " Yachan." When the natives roll themselves in water, the fibre swells, and the cuirass becpmes arrow-proof.