Copra and its Preparation 389 



Thir.d : The process of loading the revolv- 

 ing wheel by means of the trap-doors at any 

 corner preferred, as shown in the illustra- 

 tions, does not appear to occupy more time 

 than it takes to shift or change the hurdles 

 through the various doors on to the trestle- 

 racks, as we have just described. 



Fourth : The even distribution and appli- 

 cation of the heat, aided by the gentle draught 

 caused by the motion of the wheel, will 

 produce the highest possible excellence of the 

 copra. 



Fifth : The material does not have to be 

 handled from the time it is put into the machine 

 until it is taken out to be spread on the main 

 floors for final cooling and drying in the outside 

 atmosphere, thus saving any chance of possible 

 contamination by dirt and grit, &c. 



Sixth : Bulk for bulk, in comparison with the 

 space required, it is possible to dry a much 

 larger quantity of material by means of the 

 wheel than by the stationary hurdle process, 

 because a larger number of hurdles or trays of 

 rather bigger dimensions can also be submitted 

 to the direct influence of the heat at a time. 



Until quite recently it was a matter of 

 secondary importance how long it took to dry 

 the copra, the great majority of plantations 

 and holdings being of inconsiderable area, 

 and owned by small producers. Nowadays, 

 however, speed and efficiency in drying are 

 of prime importance, and need care and 

 attention. 



