In the third method the peat-mass falls from the mill into a hopper, which directs it between the rolls _A B_ of fig. 11, (see next page). The roll _A_ has a series of boxes on its periphery _m m_, with movable bottoms which serve as moulds. The peat is carried into these boxes by the rolls _c c_. The iron projections _n n_ of the large roll _B_, which work cog-like into the boxes, compress the peat gently and, at last, the eccentric p acting upon the pin _z_, forces up the movable bottom of the box and throws out the peat-block upon an endless band of cloth, which carries it to the drying place. The peats which are dried at first under cover and therefore slowly, shrink more evenly and to a greater extent than those which are allowed to dry rapidly. The latter become cracked upon the surface and have cavities internally, which the former do not. This fact is of great importance for the density of the peat, for its usefulness in producing intense heat, and its power to withstand carriage. [Illustration: Fig. 11--WEBER'S PEAT MOULDING MACHINE.] The _complete drying_ is, on the other hand, by this method, a much slower process, since the dense, fissureless exterior of the peats hinders the escape of water from within. It requires, in fact, several months of ordinary drying for the removal of the greater share of the water, and at the expiration of this time they are still often moist in the interior. Artificial drying is therefore employed to produce the most compact, driest, and best fuel. Weber's _Drying house_ is 120 feet long and 46 feet wide. Four large flues traverse the whole length of it, and are heated with the pine roots and stumps which abound in the moor. These flues are enclosed in brick-work, leaving a narrow space for the passage of air from without, which is heated by the flues, and is discharged at various openings in the brick-work into the house itself, where the peat is arranged on frames. The warm air being light, ascends through the peat, charges itself with moisture, thereby becomes heavier and falls to the floor, whence it is drawn off by flues of sheet zinc that pass up through the roof. This house holds at once 300,000 peats, which are heated to 130° to 145° F., and require 10 to 14 days for drying. The effect of the hot air upon the peat is, in the first place, to soften and cause it to swell; it, however, shortly begins to shrink again and dries away to masses of great solidity. It becomes almost horny in its character, can be broken only by a heavy blow, and endures the roughest handling without detriment. Its quality as fuel is correspondingly excellent. The effects of the mechanical treatment and drying on the Staltach peat, are seen from the subjoined figures: _Lbs. _Specific per Cubic _Per cent of Gravity._ Foot._ Water._