186 Preparation of a Fibrous Substance from BeanStalksl 



and found it to take both wax and rosin, we have sewed 

 with it, and find the fibres of which it consists in general 

 so strong, that the leather never failed to give way sooner 

 than the seam. We have only to add, that as hemp has of 

 late become uncommonly dear, while much of it is bad, 

 we anxiously wish the prosecution of the discovery, and 

 the appearance of bean hemp in the market ; and shall, so 

 soon as we hear of its being spun and on sale, be among 

 the first to purchase and use it. 



JohnHoune, Shoemaker. 



Thomas Altord^ Shoemaker. 



Letter from Mr, Htime, of Long Acre, to the Rev, 

 James HalL 



Sir, I INCLOSE a specimen of the bean filaments or thread 

 which have been submitted to the bleaching process. The 

 texture and strength seem not in the least to have been im- 

 paired, but retain ihe primitive tenacity ; and I am persuaded 

 this substance will prove an excellent substitute for hemp 

 and flax, for the manufacture of various kinds of paper, 

 cordage, and other materials. I did not find more difficulty 

 in accomplishing the bleaching of this than in other vege- 

 tables which 1 have occasionally tried, and I believe this 

 article is susceptible of a still greater degree of whiteness. 

 I remain, sir. 



Your very obedient servant, 



Jos. Hume. 



Long Acre, Feb. 24, 1807. 



Letter from Mr, H. Davy to the Rev, James HalL 



Sir, I SHALL inclose in this paper a small quantity of the 

 bean fibres, rendered as white as possible by chemical means. 



It seems to bear bleaching very well ; and, as to chemical 

 properties, diflfers very litile from hemp. 



The question, Whether it is likely to be of useful applica- 

 tion, is a mechanical one, and must be solved by experiments 

 on its comparative strength. lam, sir. 



Your obedient humble servant, 



H. Dayv. 



XXXIII. On 



