In using tin: Machine for obtaining the Fibre in its best condition, stalk-plants, 
such as the Rhoea, must be operated on as soon as possible af ter they have been cut, and 
they must in the interim be kept from exposure to the sun, or the drying action of 
currents of air. In cases where the plants arc simply cultivated by the Ryots, as in India, 
the conditions will be very similar to those which exist with regard to Indigo, which is cut 
and brought to the factory in a fresh state, where it is sold in bundles at a fixed rate, and 
it is believed that there are a good many Indigo planters who might with advantage add 
to their operations the preparation of Rheea and other Fibres. 
THK BETTING AND WORKING OF THE MACHINE.—The Machine must be 
fixed finely upon a level foundation, and driven at an average speed of 0)0* revolutions 
per minute, when, by careful attention to the following instructions the operator will be 
able to produce a beautifully cleaned Fibre 
j_'j'p e top of the feed plate or table of the Machine should be set about *2£ inches 
"below the centre of the spindle of the beater for large Aloe leaves averaging 
:F, inches in thickness, and not lm than half au inch below for thin leaves, 
such as the Pine Apple and New Zealand liemp, and about the same distance . 
for Rheea and other Fibre yielding stalks. 
Notk.- The two sets of screws below the brackets, which support the feed table, are 
to raise and lower the same, care being taken to ioottrn the bolts in the side of the frame 
htsfarr. moving it, and to see that they are properly fastened after the table is set. 
2 t . -The edge of the feed plate should be fixed about one sixteenth of an inch from 
the edge of the beaters, and quite parallel to same. • 
_ ']•}!(. two screws m front of the feed plate are to adi list it to anl from*the 
beaters. Care must lie taken tli it the two bolts which hold tin table to the brackets are 
Innsrurri BKK*'itK, and properly fastened a print adjustment. 
A- -Start the Machine, and then turn on the water tap. 
4. -Take the leaved or stalks to be operated on by the small ends, put. the large ends 
upon the feed table and press them against the revolving blades, when they . 
will be drawn into the Machine and all the pulpy, woody, and other matters 
removed. Allow the leaves or stalks to pass in just past the middle, then 
withdraw, and the Fibre comes out thorou't/hli) cleaned and straight. 
•y _ Take-hold of the Fibre* then turn over and pass the small ends into the Machine 
as before, and withdraw when finished. 
No'i's.— lu handling, the Fibre must be kept as straight as possible, and aroze * 
twisted round tike. hand. • 
It is so simple that any unskilled person can work the Machine after practising on 
a few stalks or leaves, and the whole operation of passing in the thick ends up to a little 
over one-half -their length, withdrawing the cleaned Fibre, reversing and holding it firmly 
whilst passing the smaller cuds through, and then withdrawing the Fibre in a cleaned 
condition only occupies a very few seconds. If at first the Fibre is not Sufficiently cleaned, 
the feed table requires to be put a little closer (or all. that is necessary may be simply to 
increase the pressure of water by turning the tap), but it on the other hand the Fibre 
appears flattened or waved from the action' of the beaters, the feed table requires to be 
drawn a little farther away. When after the trial of a few leaves or .stalks, the feed table 
lias once been properly set, it will not require altering until the beaters become worn, and 
as these are made' of a. special metal of a very enduring description, they last, under 
ordinary circumstances, far- a long time. When necessary, they are easily replaced, and 
• in case of. aucid cuts, it is desirable to have a few spare beaters with each set of Machines. 
There is a guard fixed across the feed table of the Machine, and’ a second guard is formed 
by means of - tlie sliding plate on the front of the cover of the beater wheel, and-which 
should be fixed half au inch higher than the thickest of the leaves or. stalks to he operated 
upon-. _j__ 
■ For'Kbeea unci similar stalk-plants, and also.for small leaves a speed 
sufficient, but for very large Agave leaves it may have to be increased to iW, aud 
be operated on in tlie same factory,-the necessary pulleys' must be provided. 
of 500 revolutions will be 
when both kinds have to 
♦ * 
