{\Matran} is an wrapper written in Fortran~95 that implements matrix operations and computes matrix decompositions using {\lapack} and the {\blas}. This document describes a preliminary release of {\matran}, which treats only real matrices. Its purpose is to get outside comments and suggestions before the package jells. Consequently, this documentation is slanted toward the experienced programmer familiar with both matrix computations and Fortran~90/95. User oriented documentation will accompany the final release. (UMIACS-TR-2003-89)