MOULDED PEAT. 811 



owing to the presence of numerous undecomposed roots. In 

 ordinary peat-bogs, however, where turves are cut, there is 

 always a large percentage of waste peat resulting from the 

 digging, drying or transport of the turves, which can be 

 utilized only by moulding it. This waste frequently amounts 

 to a fifth or a quarter of the annual yield of peat, so that some 

 turf should be moulded in every moor, and not only where 

 all the peat is moulded. 



The different works in question are preparing the peat, 

 and moulding and drying the turves. 



(a) Preparing the Peat. Peat which is to be moulded 

 should form a homogeneous mass, containing a suitable 

 amount of water, and capable of being kneaded. If the peat 

 is naturally powdery and dry, it should be mixed with water in 

 a pit, or in a wooden bin with holes in its base ; if it is muddy 

 peat with a superfluity of water, it must be dredged out of the 

 bog with a hollow shovel or in a purse-net, and poured into 

 the bin or on straw laid on the ground, so that the super- 

 fluous water may drain away. In whatever way it is collected, 

 the mixed peat and water must now be thoroughly kneaded 

 and worked together until they form a fairly homogeneous mass. 

 This is generally done by men trampling on it with bare feet 

 or with flat clogs, less frequently with the help of hoe or spade. 



When the peat is of the ordinary consistency and moisture, 

 the workmen place planks in the trench in front of the bank 

 of peat, and cut the peat away from the bank with a sharp 

 cutting mattock, letting it fall on the planks, and watering it 

 sufficiently by means of wooden buckets. In Holland and 

 several places in North Germany (especially Hanover), the 

 peat-pulp is left alone to dry for a few days, and then again 

 kneaded. In South Germany, it is moulded while still very 

 wet, the second operation being omitted. 



(b) Moulding the Turves. The turves should be moulded 

 at a place close to where the peat has been dried. If this is at 

 any great distance from the bank of peat, the peat-pulp is 

 removed in baskets or bins which are placed on wheelbarrows ; 

 it is then thrown on to straw or planks, and is either cut or 

 moulded into shape, the moulds containing several compart- 

 ments or being similar to those used for brickmaking. 



