214 
7. The out-turn of wet fibre for each machine per hour is, on an 
average, 424 kilog., an is taking eight hours’ work per day, 
hich is as muc the men can “do, the work being very 
fatiguing. 
8. The out-turn per day of eight hours is per machine (gratte) 
340 kil. wet supplying on an average 97 kil. of dry fibre (or 
284% of the wet fibre). 
9, The average cost in labour, fuel, &c., in cleaning a ton of 
dry a, Jacon, ani transporting to s 1 ot Rs. 
shipme 150 
If to he pote we add: other charges, viz., sollecting 
leaves, carting, sso neiaa] interest on ig 
&c., say abou t 75 
The total — p e one sa of sions a ao 
shipment is Ra. 225 
(Signed) A. VANDERMEERSCH, 
February 17, 1890. Acting Surveyor-General. 
SUMMARY OF A NOTE ON THE FIBRE MACHINES GENERALLY IN USE 
AT MAURITIUS FOR CLEANING ALOE FIBRE, BY M. REGIS DE CHAZAL. 
1. Description of Machine. 
The machine a aia : use in Mauritius for extracting fibre from 
the leaves of the green Aloe (Furcraea gi ami is known under the 
name of gratte. This aii consists of a drum about 2 feet in 
diameter and 1 foot wide. On the circumference of this are bolted 
2-inch L-shaped blades parallel to the axis. These blades are generally 
of iron, but steel is preferred. They are firmly fixed to the drum by 
means of bolts and nuts. The drum Te mounted upon an axle and made 
to Sgi with n rapidity close to and against the front or edge ofa 
e 
an 
The most dificult task in connection with working the gratte is the 
exact adjustment of this feed table. It is most necessary that the blades 
on the drum and the edge of the feed table are so adjusted that they 
work ey be evenly and at the same time bring every fibre in the 
leaf in contact with the beaters. The proper adjustment of the feed 
table in ae to the beaters is stated to be the secret of the success of 
the gratte as a fibre machine. This adjustment hoai be performed 
with the utmost care before the machine is started. When once 
adjusted it is important to maintain the feed table in its proper position 
ond prevent any displacement during the ins of working. 
e drum should be turned at an average rate of 700 revolutions per 
minute ; while a higher rate of speed may be maintained without injury, 
it is found not desirable under any circumstances to fall below 620 
revolutions per minute. The best and most per work is that 
done "a 700 revolutions per minute. 
Sais ce eile 
