178 Cultivation of Flax in Bel(jium. 



"The reason why the thread produced by M. Lefebure's 

 process is stronger and better than that given by rural steeping 

 is, that according to his system the steeping is performed instan- 

 taneously, thereby preventing the fibre from deteriorating by 

 putrefaction ; while by the rural process the fibre is often 

 damaged by the rotting of the straw, not to mention the risks 

 from the state of the atmosphere, temperature, overflowing of 

 rivers, cStc. 



" All these accidents are avoided by the system Lefebure. 



" The chemical action of the alkali (used in this process) upon 

 the fibre is highly approved by the member of the Commission 

 specially acquainted with this point, who states that the liquid 

 residue proceeding from the operation is extremely serviceable as 

 manure. 



" Finally, great public and private interests are interested in 

 the solution of this problem in a sanitary point of view ; and, in 

 furtherance of these, we may mention the constant complaints 

 and protests of the inhabitants of Ghent against the system of 

 steeping in the river Lys. 



" We consider that this new system is called upon to replace 

 the former ones ; and the more so, since there is every proba- 

 bility of its expense being diminished, 



(Signed) " Taek. 



" Eey. 

 "Van den Broeck." 



The Lefebure process resolves itself into three successive 

 operations ; to explain these, I Avill suppose an establishment in 

 which 1 ton of undressed flax is daily treated, producing about 

 'd\ cwts. of prepared flax, ready for spinning. 



First operation, Crusliiny (" Broyer "). — One ton of flax in 

 bundles, or in the straw, occupies a space of 15 or 16 cubic 

 "metres" (525 to 560 cubic feet), and when crushed gives a 

 return of — 



1st. 6|- cwts. of crushed flax, occupying a space of about 1 to 

 1^ cubic metres (35 to 50 cubic feet. 



2ndly. 12*8 cwt. of " chenevottes," or "shoves," occupying 

 3 metres cubes (105 cubic feet). (This product, when reduced 

 to ashes, gives a potash of 24 degrees of strength.) 



Lastly. 40 kils. (88 lbs.) of " natural waste," which is useful 

 for making paper or coarse packing-cloths, and occupies a space 

 of 0'30 metres cube. 



Second operation, Steeping and Washing. — The steeping appa- 

 ratus should measure 4^ feet in height, length, and breadth, 

 containing 320 kilogrammes of raw filament in 20 or 23 frames 

 (cadres) ; there should also be a " basin," " cuve," 6 feet 3 inches 



