446 



FLAX 



increased by the partial solution of the gummy matter inherent in the flaxen material: 

 owing to these circumstances equally good turns can be produced by this mode of 



spinning from line and tow of inferior quality, to what could be employed upon either 

 of the others, and not only that, but much finer yarns can be now spun than were 

 possible previous to its introduction. It has therefore not only nearly superseded all 

 other methods of spinning for yarns from 20's to the finest, but has much increased the 

 extent and importance of the flax manufacture. 



The only difference in spinning frames for line or tow, when employed for the 

 older methods, consists in the length of reach, which generally involves the necessity 

 of having separate machines for each material, though sometimes they are made with 

 a capacity to be adapted to either purpose. In the third method the same machines 

 are used promiscuously for lino or tow. 



The yarns spun wholly dry are iised for the coarse description of woven goods, as 

 packing canvas, corn sacks, and when partially bleached, for sheetings and towellings, 

 as from its greater elasticity and openness it fills up better in weaving. Those spun 

 partially wetted are employed for a somewhat superior description of linen goods, ;uul 

 the solid silky appearance qualifies them for drills, damasks, &c., as well as for sowing 

 and shoe threads ; a somewhat inferior material, by this manner of treatment, makes 

 an equally good yarn as a better material spun dry. The yarn produced from this 

 wet principle is rather inclined to have a cottony appearance ; and from the comparative 

 ease with which an inferior material can be made to present an apparently fine good 

 yarn, the application of yarns thus produced is exceedingly various and sometimes 

 deceptive, though, when good materials are used, these yarns afford durable and 

 handsome drills, shirtings, lawns, and cambrics, as well as fine sewing threads. 



The mechanical arrangements for twisting, and then winding the yarn upon a 

 bobbin, is called the ' throstle ' principle, supposed to be so called from the whistling 

 noise they create when working at full speed, which is from 2,600 to 4,000 revolu- 

 tions a minute. The following diagram will explain the principle, which is applied 

 alike to all the modes of spinning above described. 



A A (Hg. 977), the spindle ; B, the bobbin, loose and independent of the spindle in 

 regard to turning, and rising, and lowering, but through which the spindle | 

 c c, the flyer screwed to the spindle top; D, table called 'bobbin lifter,' as while .-it, 

 work it rises and lowers to lay the yarn on the whole bobbin equally; K, a small 

 cord to press on the bobbin by the weight F ; o, pulley by which tho spindle- is 

 driven. 



.MViny attempts have been made to improve upon this principle, in order to avoid 

 or lessen the strain upon the thread in its passage from the drawing rollers to tho 

 flyer eye ; but, till recently, without any degree of success. The only improvement 



