243 
en 
The pinna ii then laid flat on the left hand with the smooth face 
upwards as shown in Specimen B, and in the following sketch. 
Fig. 1. First stage in preparation of oil-palm leaf or fibre. 
Tt is next taken by the cleft end in the right hand, is laid over the 
worker’s left thigh, and held below the fold in the left hand. The 
lower part of the ‘folded part is firmly pressed against the leg with the 
side of the left thumb, the mid-rib being turned back under the 
same hand. The two loose ends are then pulled separately by the 
right hand, hep oe = _ from the fibre for the length of the fold, 
i.e., about an inch (Specimen C.). 
The leaflet. is now a tei left to right by the two loose ends 
across the thigh, against which it is held by the flattened left palm, 
while the thumb of the same hand is inserted between the flap of tissue 
and ae fibre, and is used to help in separating them by raising the 
remaining tissue with an upward and backward motion as it is pulled 
abies the leg (Bpocttnall D.). 
Fig, 2, Splitting of palm leaf to obtain the a The latter is shown below the 
thumb in 
oh * These specimens are mounted for reference in Museum ii., Case 61. 
95 : 
