TEA MACHINERY. 245 



The barbacue-shaped steam-heated Tea Dryer is the cheapest, 

 most economical and safest drying machine. 



As this machine can be made any length and width, the quantity 

 of leaf which can be manufactured is only limited by the extent of 

 drying surface. One, 5 feet wide, and 15 feet long, will admit of about 

 forty pounds of Tea being spread as thinly as on Sirocco trays, and, if 

 heated to 1508 Fahrenheit, would dry a maund per hour. The steam 

 for heating thin galvanized iron drying surface is generated in the 

 space (3 inches) between it and the thin boiler plate bottom. 



The machine, which is made steam-tight, is partially filled with 

 water, and placed on a fire stove. It is evident that a comparatively 

 small quantity of fuel will generate sufficient steam to heat a large 

 surface, especially if the smoke flue is placed under the whole length 

 of the machine. 



As it is impossible to fire-burn the Tea, dried by the steam-heated 

 Dryer, the enormous advantage of being independent of the care and 

 judgment of coolies, and of the necessity of uninterrupted European 

 supervision, is too evident to require comment. 



Then comes the figure of the Dryer with the following note : 



" Barbacue-shaped Tea Dryer. The far end should be slightly 

 higher than that over the fire, to allow the space over it to be full 

 of water. 



An apparatus for escape of steam and supplying water is inserted 

 in the end plate covering the boiler." 



The Ceylon Observer, referring to the above, asks the following 

 questions : 



Is it really impossible by means of steam to over-heat, though we 

 may not, indeed cannot, "fire-burn" Tea? And when a boiler is 

 employed to generate steam, do we become quite independent of the 

 care and judgment of coolies, and avoid the necessity of uninterrupted 

 European supervision ? Will not a thermometer be necessary to 

 indicate the proper degree of heat, will it not require close watching, 

 and will there not be danger of the boiler exploding if neglected ? The 

 danger may be reduced to a minimum, but we should be glad of proof 

 that it cannot exist. 



Mr. Shand in reply writes With reference to your remarks and 

 queries regarding my Tea-drying machine, will you allow me to mention 

 that, as it is not intended to sustain any pressure of steam, the drying 

 surface cannot easily be heated over 150 degrees. 



