428 



FLAX 



fig. 941. Theso machines arc constructed in a groat variety of forms for different kinds 

 of work, and seem to give very good results. They are simple in their construction, 



941 



and give little trouble, acting lightly on the flax and making very wiry fibres. They 

 are made of all sizes, from 12 to 30 inches in diameter, and with 4, 6, or 8 gradu- 

 ations of hackles, according to the kind of work to bo done on them. The il.-ix is 

 hackled on each side, or each graduation of hackles, by reversing the direction of the 

 rotation of cylinders. The tow, or short fibre, is thrown off the hackles by stripper 

 rods, placed between the rows of pins. 



The next machine to be named is by the same inventor, and is styled the patent 

 reversing sheet-hackling machine. It is for long line, on the same principle as that 

 just described, except that it has the harkles fixed on flat sheets, as in the 'old flat* 

 machine. It is simple and complete, easily driven ;.ii<l attended ; and a considerable 

 mimber are now in use. From the hackles being on a flat sheet, it is neeo^ 

 make the holders descend, first on one sido while the sheets are moving in ore; diivc- 

 tion, and then on the other while they are moving tho other way. This is done- by 

 supporting the channels which carry tho holders on fur levers fixed on two oscillating 

 shafts, to which motion is communicated by a shaft. Tho holders are slid through by 

 a lever on tho top, which acts on a sliding bar, by means of a ball, which 1 



