POSIDONIA FIBRE. 
with the last, which delivers the material in a large excess of water. 
The cleaning of the fibre has been one of the most difficult of all the 
problems met with in the development of this industry. In figures the 
problem was to separate 380 parts by weight of sand from 1 part of 
fibre at a cost not exceeding one penny per ton or cubic yard. Many 
machines have been built and experimented with, and many companies 
have expended thousands of pounds in attempts to exploit the material, 
which is estimated to cover a combined area of 240 square miles in the 
two gulfs, and estimated to produce 4,600,000 tons of fibre. The 
material as delivered by the dredge goes through various machines in 
MASSES OF POSIDONIA FIBRE. 
As found on the coast of Western Australia. he felted formation is brought 
about by the action of the waves. One-third natural size. 
which the fibre is washed with sea water to get rid of shells and sand, 
rolled to drive out excess of water, and again washed with fresh water, 
using 25,000 gallons to the ton, and rolled so that the percentage of 
water left in the fibre is not more than 45. It is then dried by hot air at 
205° F., and finally baled under great pressure (over 2 tons per square 
inch). The machines used are mostly of the standard wool washing 
and drying types. ae ieee ond 
373 +e eres, 
