Grass Hats in Equator

[Guayaguil?] Hats are made of a kind of grass, growing only in Equador-its exportation is prohibited. Cost from 3 or 4 to 50 dollars-

Made also at Piura.

Fine hats can only be worked upon in a particular state of the atmosphere-a few hours each day-straw selected & prepared with great care. One hat occupies months!
W.M. Wood, Wandering Sketches (Pha. 1849) p 140