Chap. VIII. 



THE MANUFACTURE. 



161 



stems and leaves are thrown into a tank of this 

 size, which is then filled to the brim with clear 

 water. In five days the plant is partially decom- 

 posed, and the water has become lightish-green in 

 colour. At this period the whole of the stems 

 and leaves are removed from the tank with a flat- 

 headed broom made of bamboo twigs, an admirable 

 instrument for the purpose. When every particle 

 has been removed, the workmen employed give 

 the water a circular and rapid motion with the 

 brooms just noticed, which is continued for some 

 time. During this part of the operation another 

 man has employed himself in mixing about thirty 

 catties of lime with water, which water has been 

 taken out of the tank for the purpose. This is 

 now thrown into the tank, and the rapid circular 

 .motion of the water is kept up for a few minutes 

 longer. When the lime and water have been well 

 mixed in this way the circular motion is allowed 

 to cease. Four men now station themselves round 

 the tank and commence beating the w^ater with 

 bamboo rakes made for this purpose. The beating 

 process is a very gentle one ; as it goes on the 

 water gradually changes from a greenish hue to a 

 dingy yellow, while the froth becomes of a beau- 

 tiful bright blue. During the process the head 

 workman takes a pailful of the liquid out of the 

 tank and beats it rapidly with his hand. Under 

 this operation it changes colour at once, and its 

 value is judged of by the hue it presents. The 

 beating process generally lasts for about half an 



