(_b_) Intermediate rolls, grooved in varying designs and geared differentially. These reduce the thick rough crepe obtained from the macerators into a form suitable for passing to the rolls described in (_c_). They are sometimes called "crepers," but as this term may be applied equally to the macerating rolls, they will be termed the "intermediate" rolls. (_c_) Smooth rolls usually run at approximately even speeds and, as their name denotes, devoid of any grooving. They are called "smooth" rolls or "finishers." Without such equipment it is not possible to prepare the grade which is known as "fine pale crepe." In the common acceptation of this term crepe of No. 1 quality generally connotes fineness and paleness with a thin crepe which has a good, smooth, and fairly well-knit texture. It is, of course, possible to make a thick pale crepe, using only the macerators and intermediates, but the "finish" will be that typical of the particular grooving of the intermediate rolls. For the preparation of crepe ordinarily, the possession of smooth rolls is a _sine qua non_. For reasons which will be explained more fully in the chapter dealing with the defects of crepe rubber, the practice of preparing thick crepes direct from the coagulum is now very uncommon. Thick crepes are generally made by reworking dry rubber, either in the form of thin crepes or from air-dried sheets. The market for the latter in Malaya is confined almost entirely to Singapore, where factories buy native rubber and re-work it into thick crepe. The bulk of the output of No. 1 crepe from estates is in the form of thin "fine pale crepe." The artificial standard set up by buyers and brokers necessitates this thin crepe being of even texture and fairly free from small holes ("looseness"). What difference the small holes are to make in the vulcanising properties of the rubber is beyond our knowledge; but such being the standard, it must be attained if the full price is to be obtained. In order to secure the desired effect the coagulum must be passed consecutively through the three types of rolls, and undergoes a varying degree of working in each. Given the necessary equipment of machines, it is possible to make a good specimen of thin pale crepe if the coagulum passes through all the rolls a total of twelve times (or even less in exceptional cases). There is no intention of suggesting that this is possible on all estates. Clearly the number of times the rubber passes through the rolls will depend upon the total efficiency of the machines. This in turn involves such factors as (_a_) the size of the rolls, (_b_) the number of machines of each type, (_c_) the gearing of the pinions, (_d_) the speed of the drive, etc. Again, much depends upon the nature of the coagulum worked. A fairly soft coagulum will offer less resistance, and conversely a dense coagulum will require more machining.