400 [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



were shown the manufacture of peat moss litter, so' extensively 

 used for bedding horses. The more fibrous layers of the peat 

 are conveyed by an elevator to^ a screening machine, which sifts 

 out the finer particles and delivers the suitable parts to power- 

 ful presses. On the floor of the press are placed three laths, 

 one at each side and one in the centre, and the material is de- 

 livered on these till the space is filled up, then three laths are 

 placed in similar positions on the top, and the whole subjected 

 tO' great pressure. When the requisite pressure has been ob- 

 tained the bales are tied transversely to the laths by wires, the 

 pressure is released, and the bale is removed from the press. 

 The laths used are cut on the premises by a large circular saw, 

 which is also used for cutting up the bog oak found in the peat. 

 This bog oak, when cut, is carefully stacked to dry, a process 

 requiring about twelve months, and for this product a ready 

 sale is found. The fine dust extracted in the litter-making is 

 exported to the Continent, where it is extensively used for fruit- 

 packing, its antiseptic and non-oxidising qualities rendering it a 

 valuable material for this purpose. The motive power^ in the 

 factory is supplied by a twin-cylinder horizontal steam, engine, 

 working at about loo indicated horse-power, and steam at a 

 pressure of 6olb. per square inch is generated in a boiler in 

 which is burned all the refuse peat. Peat fire-lighters and peat 

 charcoal are also manufactured, and samples of these were 

 shown to the party, as well as of the different substances which 

 can be chemically extracted from the peat. Attention was also 

 directed tO' some butter, weighing five pounds, which had been 

 found in the bog at a depth of three and a half feet. This had 

 evidently been packed in a wicker basket, but the fragments of 

 the covering soon crumbled away on exposure to the air. They 

 also saw two silver coins, a florin and a shilling, bearing the 

 date 1567, which had been unearthed from the bog about three 

 feet below the surface. Previous to leaving the premises a 

 cordial vote of thanks was voted to the Messrs. Garnett for their 

 kind courtesy, and the wish was expressed that this undertaking 

 would prove lasting and profitable. Mr. Garnett expressed the 

 pleasure the visit afforded him, and, farewell greetings having 



