ind the iak between the two machines “should have. a 
of 18 i vM with a strap 6 inches wide. A single 
ensure bac res is 
> The koyak. “of the machine is _securely attached to MH 
 masonary work by large bolts about 5 feet long. The machines must 
be thus firmly secured or the vibration during the process a working 
would soon cause them to become detached. The arrangement of the 
iachines in pairs on the same axle could be extended in the same linc 
indefinitely, provided the necessary distance is ages ved between the 
_ centre of each machine. One of the largest fibre factories in Mauritius 
_ contains 12 machines, that is, six pairs arranged as already described, 
Out-turn of Fibre. 
: he ind stated each machine is served by two men standing on 
. each side of the feed table. one carrier supplies them with fresh leaves 
While another is engaged in receiving and r emoying the wet fibre. 
he task of a man, "whie h can be easily accomplished in six to eight 
an is 250 dos. (or IM kilos) of wet fibre. The wage eX Tor 
orkman is paid at the rate of 50 cents per 100 Ibs.) as ers as 800 
-to 900 Ibs. of wet fibre have Lom produced in a single day. This 
. amount, however, is quite exceptional. 
‘The roportion of dry fibre to "fus wet fibre as it leaves the machine 
. varies from 22 to 30 per cent. 
The yield of dry fibre in etn to the weight of green iria. varies 
 accordin gto the age of leaves and the characteristies i the 
The iper the leaves the ne the yield of fibre ; t se tts e 
produco a leaves MIN vith moisture will also affect the result. To 
ro se to 
es and 
eae of the se. ason. The cutting of he. poin costs frot 30 cents 
vga gi the 100 bundles of 25 leaves cach. The higher price is 
he t r is Meroen or when. the ‘ground is rough nd diffieult 
there i 150 kilos. It may be awed that a set of 10 to 12 fibre. 
^ ly installed pen attended by men accustomed to the 
veo turn. = on an average about 1,200 kilos (2,645 lbs. avoir.) : 
Difficulty is sna di experienced i in obtaining pairs of right-handed 
IE men Eu rer’ machine, ay i nese men are, as Pa 
ee eer p cu of the Fibra. Él Te 
a ‘When the fibre first leaves the scraping machine it is covered bd 
mucilage La d corrosive properties which dries on I eas to the |. 
air. ‘The t ang s tie ngs 1 om de rs i to turn it of | 
isdem colour, a reddish E. 'To prepare 
