BUTTNER AND MEYER DRYER. 105 



standpoint to avail one's self of the fine weather and sunshine 

 that frequently occurs in the autumn. Under these conditions 

 the leaves will be semi-dried. An example may be cited in 

 which the tops lost 80 per cent, of their weight in eight days; 

 the leaves, strictly speaking, lose 33 per cent. Rain has 

 not as unfavorable an effect upon the desiccation as one might 

 suppose, as the water that is deposited upon the leaves in the 

 form of dew readily runs off and is rapidly evaporated when 

 brought into contact with the wind or any mechanical influence. 

 During ordinary weather the leaves lose in five or six days 50 

 per cent, of their moisture, and if 25 per cent, more is evapo- 

 rated a commodity is obtained that will be possessed of all the 

 requisites for easy keeping. 



Air desiccation is apparently not feasible at the time of year 

 when the sun has very little evaporating force; but it is import- 

 ant not to overlook the fact that there are many other industries 

 that have the same difficulties to contend with, and overcome 

 them successfully. 



Authorities in some cases have suggested that the " Crummer Crummer dryer, 

 dryer " may possess all the essential qualifications. The leaves 

 and tops undergo a sort of preliminary chopping and pressing in 

 the air, so as to withdraw or extract an additional amount of 

 moisture; and this operation is then followed by the action of a 

 series of compressing drums in which circulates steam at various 

 pressures. A point that is essential to bear in mind is that 

 under no circumstance should the pressure of steam be the same 

 in each drum, but on the contrary it is desirable to gradually 

 increase it until reaching the limit of the desiccation in view. 

 The dry leaves thus obtained have excellent keeping qualities, 

 will not mildew, and have a good healthy appearance. 



Buttner and Meyer by their method of drying resort to a pre- Buttner and 

 liminary desiccation by the elimination of a large proportion of Meyer dryer, 

 the water contained in the cells of the leaves. They cut the 

 leaves into strips in special machines, which are in reality not 

 special, as they are simply those which are used to chop beets. 

 The leaves are then forced through a spiral where they are sub- 

 mitted to the action of steam. Under the influence of this in- 

 creased temperature the cells of the greater portion of the leaves 



