*• 



MANUFACTURES FROM NETTLfi FtBRTIf. l63 



Assured. For the purpose of writing; and printing paper 

 they mig-ht be gathered twice in one season, as for these uses 

 th^ length of staple is not required, and the fibre would be 

 considerably increased in its fineness; and in point of co- 

 lour, either in the refuse or unwrought state, the chemical 

 process of bleuching now in practice would render them a 

 delicate white, 



I have in possession some samples, which have gone 

 through a succession of processes similar to what are prac« 

 tised on hemp and flax ; and 1 have, without the aid of any 

 im[)lemeai^, brought them to a state of preparation ready 

 for the hackle ; but for want of that, and there being no flax 

 or hemp manufactory in this neighbourhood, I have not 

 been able to proceed farther, but 1 judge that they are suf- 

 ficiently advanced so as amply to evince the practicability 

 above referred to. 



If you think proper, I will transmit the samples for the 

 Society's inspection, and give any farther information in i;i^ 

 power. 



Permit me the honour to subscribe myself. Sir, 

 Your most humble servant, 



3farcA 24, 1809. EDWARD SMITH. gfL'^ ^ 



SIR,, * ^ ^^•l 



I am much obliged to the Society for their reference of ^'j**®° J<^ . i 

 n 1 ■ ^ • *i subject offered i 



my communication to one of their Committees. About ten by the Society 



years subsequent to my first observations, and three to my *' HaSrlem. 

 first experiments, I observed the following paragraph in 

 the Chelmsford Chronicle^ November 25, 1803. " The 

 Society of CEconomy, at Haerlem, has offered prizes for the 

 best memoir as to the particular species, the season for 

 gathering, and the manipulation necessary in preparing 

 nettles for use," This is the only account I have ever seen 

 of them, and shows that such a matter was regarded as de» 

 serving the attention of that Society ; but as I from the first 

 had it in contemplation to present my observations on th^ 

 subject to the Society of Arts &c., and thinking the matter 

 of great consequence, and wishing my own country to be 

 benefited by it, I declined answering the Hacrlexn advertise- 

 ment. ^^, 



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