In order to obtain the bast, the stalk above ground is closely pruned and freed from leaves and other encumbrances; each leaf is then singly divided into stripsa cross incision being made through the membrane on the inner or concave side, and connected by means of the pulpy parts (the parenchym) clinging together.

The workman draws the bast, without any regard to quality, between the knife and block, commencing in the middle, and then from side to side.

Round the palm-stems, round the creepers, Flashed a feathered jewel past, Ruby-crested, topaz-throated, Plucked the cocorite bast, Plucked the fallen ceiba-cotton, {333} Whirred away to build his nest, Hung at last, with happy humming, Round some flower he fancied best.

Another method is to strip the bast from the undivided stem.