215 
Method of Working. 
The Aloe leaf is presented tip first along the feed table, and is drawn 
down between the latter and the drum. It is thoroughly beaten by the 
grattes to about three-fourths of its length. By these yarn the pulp 
is removed and the fibre is left. The leaf is then withdrawn and the 
other end presented to the beaters until the whole is clean ae 
Two usually work at each machine. They stand one on each 
side of the feed table and work alternately. It is desirable for rapid 
work that one of the men should be left-handed. Each man in turn 
ithdraw. 
of being ee To avoid accidents the feed table is now provided 
with a wooden guard. This guard peton the hands of the work- 
people from tien caught by the bea 
Mounting the Machines. 
The machines are generally mounted in pairs, both working on the 
same axle, and driven by steam or water power. e driving wheel, 
fixed midway on the axle between the two machines, should have a 
inimum diameter of 18 inches, with a strap 6 inches wide. A single 
adjustment of the feed table should last from 8 to 15 days. At the 
end of that time it is generally found necessary to readjust the parts to 
ensure good results. 
Si framework of the machine is securely attached to substantial 
asonry work by large bolts about 5 feet long. The machines must 
w thus firmly secured or the vibration during the process of working 
would sears cause them to become detached. The arrangement of the 
machines in pairs on the same axle could be extended in the same line 
indefinitely, provided the necessary distance is preserved between the 
centre of each machine. One of the largest fibre factories in Manvitiwa 
contains 12 machines, that is, six pairs arranged as already described. 
Out-turn e Fibre. 
As already stated, each machine is served by two men standing o 
each side of the feed table. One dirti supplies them with fresh rears 
= another is engaged in receiving and removing the wet fibre. 
The task of a man, which can be easily accomplished in six to eight 
Sante, is 250 Ibs. (or 125 kilos) of fo fibre. The wage paid for 
m 
amount, however, is quite exceptio 
The proportion of dry fibre to the wet fibre as it leaves the machine 
i to é r 
ent. 
The yield of dry fibre in relation to the weight of gon leaves varies 
according to the age of leaves and the characteristics of the ones 
The riper the leaves the cape the yield of fibre; a wet season 
ducing leaves charged with moisture will also affect the result. “to 
produce a ton of d dry fibre ready for shipment requires 
150,000 leaves, varying according to the size and age of the leaves id 
character of the season. The cutting of the leaves costs from 50 cents 
one rupee the 100 bundles of 25 leaves each. The higher price is 
paid when labour is scarce, or when the ground is rough and difficult 
