FIBRES 509 



field. It is important that the water be frequently 

 changed if the white fibre is to be obtained, colour being 

 of value. After washing the fibre is carried to the drying 

 ground, where a few hours' exposure in the hot sunshine 

 suffices in good weather. If left after being thoroughly 

 dried the fibre will tend to turn yellowish in colour. If 

 packed before being bone dry, it appears to deteriorate 

 in transit through discoloration. 



When well dried the fibre is taken to the brushing 

 machine, after which the product is tied with a wisp of 

 fibre into heads of about 5 Ib. each, say 4 in. diameter, 

 to facilitate handling in the rope and twine factory. 



A new brushing machine, the invention of Mr. Dwen, 

 of Messrs. Swift, Rutherfoord and Co., constructed by 

 Shirtliff Bros., of Hampton Hill, has made a step in 

 advance, saving wastage and labour. It is constructed 

 with an automatic grip on similar lines to that in use on 

 the decorticator. 



The standardizing of qualities in the factories into the 

 following grades : 



Prime long, 



,, medium length, 

 Good long, 



,, medium length, 

 Tow, 



is favoured by consumers, and is likely to become 

 universal in British East Africa. It obviates disputes, 

 and saves the expense of arbitration where deliveries of 

 fibre are ungraded. After grading the fibre is neatly 

 packed in bales of 2 cwt. each, the contents being 80 to 

 90 cubic ft. to the ton weight. 



A stout cord made from the sisal itself is strong enough 

 for baling purposes. Hoop-iron is not recommended, as 

 it cuts the fibre if the hydraulic pressure be excessive. It 

 is essential that the fibre be tightly pressed, seeing that 

 freight adds considerably to the cost. Freight from East 

 Africa to U.S.A. is much higher than that from Mexico 

 to New York, and it is important that those who are 

 interested in the development of East Africa should 

 encourage the shipping companies to give every possible 



