context1: New industries were founded, including lumber and <strong>cotton</strong> mills, as North Carolina businessmen invested in processing their own crops. Professional sports was introduced in the form of a minor league baseball team. Later growth would come in the form of a Du Pont plant for the manufacture of <strong>polyester</strong> fibers, and manufacturing plants for pharmaceuticals.
context2: Most modern lariats are made of stiff nylon or <strong>polyester</strong> rope, usually about 5/16 or 3/8 in diameter and in lengths of 28', 30', 35' for arena-style roping and anywhere from 45' to 70' for Californio-style roping. The reata is made of braided (or less commonly, twisted) rawhide and is made in lengths from 50' to over 100'. Mexican maguey (agave) and <strong>cotton</strong> ropes are also used in the longer lengths.