Around 1915, a Scotsman who worked in a cork factory in Palamós, observed the large quantity of Arundo Donax that grew in the surroundings of the town. At that time, the cane was used in the construction of baskets, in the garden and in construction work. That Scotsman, named Smith, probably played some musical instrument and knew what reeds were made of.
First, Smith spoke to a basketmaker and asked him if he could get hard canes and sent them to Scotland where they would be tested. The basketmaker collected some samples and Smith gave him an address where to send them. After some exchanges testing different types of reed, the basketmaker received his first letter from Scotland, written in English.
At that time Mr. Smith was not in Palamos and the basketmaker did not understand anything that was being communicated to him from Scotland.
One night, walking through the bay of Palamós, the basketmaker met Julio Perxés, a friend of his who understood English. He informed him of the existence of the letter, and Perxés offered to translate it.
The text asked for a small quantity of cane and Perxés himself answered the letter and sent some samples of good quality. The basketmaker, very satisfied, left everything in his hands.
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