114 FLAX CULTURE AND PREPARATION 



a-half times the area of land on which the flax was produced 

 is required for dew retting. 



After leaving a space of about 4 ft. in width across the field 

 the straw should be spread in long straight rows as near to 

 each other as the length of beets will permit, and the root 

 ends should all be in the same straight line. (See illustration, 

 Fig. 65.) 



The heat, dew, rain, and sometimes the snow all contribute 

 to carry on the process of fermentation. The time required 

 to complete the retting varies from four to six weeks, according 

 to the moisture, temperature, and general weather conditions. 

 The most suitable months in the year in Ireland are from the 

 beginning of September until the middle of November, although 

 when the flax is left until the following year before retting, 

 the months of March and April are the best available. 



After intervals of about a week the rows of flax should be 

 completely turned over. Beginning with the first row, and 

 with the aid of a long straight rod, the flax should be turned 

 on to the space originally and purposely left when spreading 

 out the flax ; the second row is then turned over to fall into 

 position left vacant by the first row, and so on with every 

 succeeding row. Additional turnings are necessary after 

 every heavy rainstorm and also every few days in showery 

 weather. 



The diversity of experiences and opinions on the subject 

 of dew retting are legion. Some facts, however, have been 

 established 



1. Good results have frequently been and can be obtained 

 when sufficient care is exercised. 



2. Flax, retted by this method, when bleached yields a more 

 brilliant white, than does water retted flax. 



3. For the foregoing reason dew and water retted flax should 

 be kept separate and distinct throughout the preparing, 

 spinning and weaving processes of manufacture, otherwise the 

 resultant flaxes will appear stripey in the finished fabric. 



4. If the hot water in the trough, for the wet spinning of 



