This paper describes the results obtained with the sisal plant (Agave sisalana Perrine) in a cutting trial located in the "Estação Experimental Central do Instituto Agronômico", at Campinas. This trial was designed to compare the effects of four cutting cycles, combined with three levels of severity of cutting, upon growth, longevity, and yield of the sisal plant, and on the quality of its fiber. The experiment was laid out in 4 randomized blocks of 4 plots, each plot having 3 sub-plots. Sub-plot size was of twelve plants spaced 2.5 x 1.5 m and arranged in two rows of 6 plants each. The results can be summarized as follows : (a) The life cycle of the sisal plant was greatly influenced by the cutting method used. The greater the frequency and severity of cutting the slower was the growth of the plant and the longer it took to pole. (b) Light cutting at six to twelve-month cycles was conducive to early poling, and the plant yielded fewer, though heavier, leaves. (c) Heavy cutting at a three-month cycle reduced plant size considerably and induced the formation of short leaves containing less fiber weight per leaf. There was. therefore, a significant decrease in total fiber yield per area. (d) The final fiber yields indicated that a light cutting (30%) at three or six-month intervals gave higher yields per area than any of the other treatments. Life cycle was slightly prolonged by this treatment and significantly more leaves were produced per plant without adverse effects upon leaf weight and actual fiber content. (e) Fiber analysis showed that its chemical characteristics were not affected by the treatments, even by heavy and frequent cuttings. Heavy cuttings, especially at a three--month cycle, had a marked effect on the physical fiber characteristics.