THE FLAX PLANT. 289 
extractive matters are washed out and carried below the false bottom, and 
conveyed by pipes into a reservoir and preserved. It is, however, proposed 
at intervals, during the operation, to allow the flax liquid to accumulate until 
it rises above the false bottom, and then, by the pressure of the steam, to 
cause it to ascend in the throw-pipes, and to descend in streams over the 
straw, so as completely to wash away all the softened matters. In about ten 
hours the entire operation may be completed, though the patentee regards 
it advantageous to subject the flax to the action of the steam for from 
twelve to eighteen hours. 
The second part of Mr. Watt’s process consists in submitting the straw, as 
it is removed, softened and swollen, froin the steam chambers to the success- 
ive action of two pairs of very heavy iron rollers, somewhat resembling the 
seeding rollers used in the hot-water steeping establishments, for the purpose 
both of quickening the drying process, and of expressing any adherent colour- 
ing or glutinous matter. By this operation, also, he finds that not only is the 
drying facilitated, but that a considerable portion of the enveloping cuticle 
of the stems is removed, and that the separation of the fibre in scutching is 
rendered more perfect by the bruising and splitting up of the woody parts 
consequent upon the longitudinal pressure to which they are exposed under 
the rollers. This new method, which is in operation at present in the extensive 
works of Messrs. Leadbetter in this town, appears to offer most striking ad- 
vantages. It is peculiarly adapted for rendering the separation of the fibre a 
manufacturing operation. No disagreeable smelling odours are evolved ; and, 
if experience confirms the expectations of the patentees with respect to the 
quality of the fibre obtained, and the comparatively low expenditure required 
in its production, the new process will, in no trifling degree, contribute to 
the extension of flax cultivation in this country. 
A striking peculiarity of this process, and one which renders it exceedingly 
- interesting to the scientific agriculturist, is, that it offers the only satisfactory 
method of ceconomizing the matters which are dissolved from the flax plant 
in its treatment. The dark liquid which accumulates in the lower chamber 
of the vat can be obtained in a most concentrated form; it is totally free 
from the disagreeable odour of the flax-pool, and experiments which have 
been tried prove that it is found by pigs a palatable and nutritious food. 
I have to apologize for the length to which this Report has extended, and I 
_ feel that some of the details which I have included in it may appear uuneces- 
sary to those who are familiar with the various process of the flax manufac- 
ture; but as many persons present, though acquainted with the beautiful 
fabrics, which, in every market in Europe and America, attest the skill and 
ingenuity of the linen manufacturers of Ulster, have probably now for the 
first time visited a district which, like the north of Ireland, on every side 
exhibits, in its steeping-establishments, busy flax-mills and extensive bleach- 
_ greens evidences of the advantages which this country has derived from the 
 eultivation and skilful management of the flax plant, I trust, that, whilst in- 
_ specting the various processes to which our manufacturers have liberally invited 
_ the attention of the members of the Association, the outline which I have en- 
_ deavoured to give them of the economy of the crop may tend to increase 
their interest in this important department of our national industry. And if 
my remarks on the composition of the plant and the various plans proposed for 
_ the preparation of its valuable fibre should induce any of those whom I have 
the honour to address to undertake investigations which may contribute to 
improve either the agricultural or technical management of the crop, the 
present visit of the British Association will be regarded, if possible, with still 
greater satisfaction by the manufacturers of Ulster. 
1852. U 

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