The Use of a Simple Microscope. 



13 



strongly, is due the property of " felting," and by tlie extent to 

 which this character is developed in different hairs their value 

 for the purpose is regulated. Thus, In the examination of wools, 

 this feature should be noted, as well as the coarseness or fineness 

 of the fibre, its length and density. The peculiar markings 

 which characterize wool in all its varieties, afford a safeguard 

 against the possible admixture of other materials. Important 

 evidence as to the effects of various disorders due to keep, 

 climate, or mismanagement, as also on the influence which 

 special kinds of food, or even the various " sheep dips " exert 

 upon the fleece may be confidently anticipated from such inves- 

 tigations — results which will have an important bearing on the 

 commercial value of \vool. 



Silk (c) is more uniform in character, and its several varieties 

 are not readily, if at all, distinguishable. 



Flax. — Fig. 6 (a). "Vascular fibres are derived either from the 

 inner bark (the liher) of the exogenous, or the vascular bundles of 

 the leaves of endogenous plants. The most important of these 



Fig. G.— a. Flax. h. Juto. 



fibres is flax, obtained from the Limim iisitatissimuvi, or common 

 flax plant. This possesses a variable market value, according to 

 the climate or country of production. It is natural to inquire 

 whether the microscope can detect differences between Irish and 

 Belgian, or between Egyptian and Spanish flax." 



Jute (h) has now become an article of extensive use, and its 

 fibre, which is an "adulterant" in extensive use, can always be 

 readily detected. It has a rough outline, and is much more 



