Page:Sunset Magazine vol. 31.pdf/735



kept working on that decorticating machine. He had one built at the Union Iron Works in San Francisco, and great mechanics danced around it in sheer delight. As they danced, Mr. von Schlichten spent $3600, for he sold that machine back to the U. I. W. for junk for $400 and it had cost him $4000. He wasn't satisfied!

Now if you journey to Lerdo (which is in Kern county, California), you may see a new decorticating machine in successful operation on ramie, doing the work of 1000 coolies in a day at a minimum cost. You will see this ramie (a perennial plant) being grown and harvested just like grain, but the stalks are tall and there are six cuttings a year. When cut with a mower the stalks are put into shocks and dried for a couple