150 



BULLETIN <>F THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



means of ropes, wedges, and levers. One of the side hoards forming the frame is 

 then removed, the frame is supported at a convenient height and tilted at a conven- 

 ient angle, and the kelp is reduced to shreds by means of a hand plane, which cuts the 

 fronds lengthwise along their edge. A factory has from 5 to in cutters, each with 

 a separate press, and each using his plane in what to us seems an awkward manner — 

 that is, he cuts by drawing the plane toward himself rather than by pushing it from 

 him. Formed} 7 the cutting was done with a knife held in the hand. The substitu- 

 tion of a plane, by which shreds of more uniform thickness are obtained and the work 

 done more expeditiously, is practically the only improvement in method in nearly 

 two centuries. 



(.">) The shredded kelp is spread on mats or on board platforms in the open air. 



2ki*L 



Drying kelp on the beach in Hokkaidn. 



and repeatedly turned to secure uniform drying. When the surface has become dry. 

 but the interior still retains its moisture as shown by the pliability of the shreds, the 

 shavings are stored under cover and are ready for packing and shipment. 



The completed product resembles in color, shape, and feel the "Spanish moss"' 

 which festoons the trees in the Southern States. For local use it is put in paper 

 packages, for export to China in wooden boxes. If dry it will keep for a year or 

 longer without deterioration. 



of I,, i- kombu "preparations. — Those species of kelp with the thickest and 

 widest fronds are often dried with special care, so that they will lie Hat and smooth, 

 and are used in making kombu products for which the thin, narrow-fronded species 

 are not well adapted. The different kinds of kombu now to lie mentioned have been 



