The “Sirocco,” no doubt, was a good Tea-drying machine in its time, and the inventor deserves the greatest credit for it, but it has been improved upon, as is always inevitably the case in machinery. I trust no offence will be taken by the “Sirocco” inventor, as such is not intended. Any answer of his will be gladly read. Cachar. Yours faithfully, PUCKA TEA. There may have been an answer, but I did not see it. _Gibbs and Barry’s Tea Dryer._--This machine has been lately invented. I saw it when not as complete as it is now. I have tried to get details, but failed. It must have merit, however, for though a late machine, some thirty-six are now in operation; I heard one good judge speak very well of it. More are, I hear, being despatched to India. No trays are used with this Dryer. _Shand’s Dryer._--This hails from Ceylon. Steam for drying Tea is not quite a new idea. I saw an apparatus to use steam in Cachar years ago. The great advantage claimed for this Dryer is that Tea cannot be burnt. It is quite a new invention. This, from the _Tea Gazette_, describes it:-- A NEW TEA DRYER. A gentleman in Colombo, Ceylon, a Mr. C. Shand, as we mentioned in our last, has invented a new patent Tea Dryer. The following is a description of his invention:-- The barbacue-shaped steam-heated Tea Dryer is the cheapest, most economical and safest drying machine. As this machine can be made any length and width, the quantity of leaf which can be manufactured is only limited by the extent of drying surface. One, 5 feet wide, and 15 feet long, will admit of about forty pounds of Tea being spread as thinly as on Sirocco trays, and, if heated to 150° Fahrenheit, would dry a maund per hour. The steam for heating thin galvanized iron drying surface is generated in the space (3 inches) between it and the thin boiler plate bottom. The machine, which is made steam-tight, is partially filled with water, and placed on a fire stove. It is evident that a comparatively small quantity of fuel will generate sufficient steam to heat a large surface, especially if the smoke flue is placed under the whole length of the machine. As it is impossible to fire-burn the Tea, dried by the steam-heated Dryer, the enormous advantage of being independent of the care and judgment of coolies, and of the necessity of uninterrupted European supervision, is too evident to require comment. Then comes the figure of the Dryer with the following note:-- “Barbacue-shaped Tea Dryer.--The far end should be slightly higher than that over the fire, to allow the space over it to be full of water. An apparatus for escape of steam and supplying water is inserted in the end plate covering the boiler.” The _Ceylon Observer_, referring to the above, asks the following questions:--