208 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



this particular from bhibl)er oils. This is accounted for by the alter- 

 nate gathering and emission of moisture upon exposure to changes 

 of temperature, and by this and other treatment they become clear 

 and brilliant, in consequence of which they are seldom used within 

 less than a year or two after they are obtained. 



On receipt of the oil at the factor}^ the first step in the process of 

 refining is to gently heat it to complete the process of cooking begun 

 by the fishermen. The oil is then placed in tanks or casks to await 

 the process of grading, and often two j^ears may elapse ere the trained 

 and skillful eye of the refiner can determine to what class it belongs. 

 It is almost impossible to describe the extremely delicate variations 

 in color, texture, odor, and flavor which enter into this grading. The 

 claim is made that there are not half a dozen men in the world who 

 have had the training and experience necessary to separate these deli- 

 cate oils into their proper classes, and yet a very large part of the 

 reliability of watch and chronometer lubricants lies in the gradation 

 under the almost instinctive skill of the refiner. 



According to Mr. Joseph K. Nye: 



After two years or more of rest, the oil has got to a condition where its surplus 

 oxygens have united with whatever animal or loose organic matter may have 

 been floating in microscopic particles within it. and they are easily removed by 

 the ordinary strainers of an oil factory. But something is still left in the oil 

 which is very sensible to the high or low range of temperature, and to remove 

 this requires its subjection, while spread out in thin layers, to a temperature far 

 below zero. No further change in its construction can be made except at this 

 very low tempera tiire, nor must it be cooled too rapidly. When properly done 

 the process is one most interesting to watch. All through its liqiiid amber little 

 flecks of translucent material appear, joining and rejoining like frost on a win- 

 dow pane into most beautiful forms, resembling a miniature forest whose foliage 

 is white. By means of a certain fine and close-grained fabric these particles at 

 this juncture are filtered out; and strange to say, this residuum, once a portion 

 of a brilliant, almost colorless fluid, never even at normal temperature becomes 

 anything but a slimy mass, resembling poor lard. 



In order to get this low temperature, one of the New Bedford refin- 

 ers has established a chilling plant at St. Albans, Vt., where long- 

 continued cold can be dei^ended upon. 



To be thoroughl}^ satisfactory the refined oil must be of uniform 

 qiuility, entirely devoid of acidulous properties, absolutely gumless, 

 withstand the rigors of the coldest climate without congealing, and 

 maintain its body or stability in a high temperature. This is the 

 most delicate and highl}^ refined lubricant known, and some has been 

 I)roduced for which a temperature of — 50° F. has been claimed. While 

 all watch-oil users do not prefer colorless fluid, the average customer 

 demands an oil almost if not absolutely colorless and of crj'stal 

 clearness. Much of the product is sold for repairers' use in wooden 

 boxes containing 1 dozen half-ounce bottles, each bottle inclosed in 

 a small i^asteboard box. The remainder, in tin cans having capacity 

 for 1 pint, 1 quart, or of larger capacity, goes to the manufacturers 

 of watches, clocks, chronometers, typewriters, etc. 



